A historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.A historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.A historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Ankit Anil Sharmaa
- Santaji
- (as Ankit Anil Sharma)
Summary
Reviewers say 'Chhaava' is acclaimed for its grand scale, historical authenticity, and Vicky Kaushal's powerful performance as Sambhaji Maharaj. The film is celebrated for intricate battle sequences and detailed costumes. However, it faces criticism for inconsistent pacing, weak music, and underdeveloped supporting characters. Some find it overly dramatic and lacking narrative depth, with historical inaccuracies and Bollywood clichés. Despite these issues, many appreciate its effort to highlight an important historical chapter.
Featured reviews
Laxman Utekar's Chhaava focuses on the Battle of Burhanpur and its impact on the Maratha-Mughal war, rather than being a complete biopic of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The first half of the film struggles with pacing, but the second half gains momentum, leading to an intense and emotionally charged climax. The confrontation between Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb, particularly the exchange between Vicky Kaushal and Vineet Kumar, stands out as one of the film's most powerful moments. The battle sequences are well-executed, but the background score by A. R. Rahman lacks the necessary intensity to match the spirit of the Marathas. The action scenes are largely effective, though some exaggerated stunts and editing choices take away from the realism. Despite this, the film excels in its cinematography, costume design, and CGI, successfully recreating the historical setting.
The performances elevate the film. Vicky Kaushal delivers a commanding portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj, capturing his strength, determination, and sacrifice, especially in the final moments. Akshaye Khanna leaves a strong impact as Aurangzeb, despite limited dialogue, while Rashmika Mandanna, though competent, feels miscast. Ashutosh Rana provides solid support, and Vineet Kumar stands out with his gripping screen presence. While the film has its shortcomings, it succeeds in honoring Sambhaji Maharaj's legacy, ensuring that his courage and sacrifice remain etched in the minds of the audience.
The performances elevate the film. Vicky Kaushal delivers a commanding portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj, capturing his strength, determination, and sacrifice, especially in the final moments. Akshaye Khanna leaves a strong impact as Aurangzeb, despite limited dialogue, while Rashmika Mandanna, though competent, feels miscast. Ashutosh Rana provides solid support, and Vineet Kumar stands out with his gripping screen presence. While the film has its shortcomings, it succeeds in honoring Sambhaji Maharaj's legacy, ensuring that his courage and sacrifice remain etched in the minds of the audience.
The movie was good; the acting from everybody was top-notch except for Rashmika; every time she's on the screen, you'd wanna scroll through Instagram reels instead of watching her. Best thing about this movie is Akshay Khanna as Aurangzeb. Vicky's casting as ShambhaJi was Excellent too but his voice wasn't to the mark for the role, he lacked heaviness and bass in his voice which makes his dialogues a little less energetic and enthusiastic. Over-all it was one time kinda watch. CLIMAX WAS EXCELLENT THO. But expected way too much from this movie, I dont think it'd leave a mark on People's heart. Plus it'd have been better if the director had casted someone else instead of Rashmika. She's just awful. She can't act. She shouldn't be in bollywood or maybe she shouldn't do roles that require ACTING cause she can't act.
One of the strongest aspects of Chhaava is its screenplay, which balances action with emotion. The dialogues are impactful, filled with the weight of history and the fire of revolution. There are several moments where the intensity of the dialogues alone sends shivers down the spine, particularly in confrontations between Sambhaji Maharaj and his adversaries. The supporting cast deserves a special mention-each character plays a crucial role in shaping the hero's journey. The women in the film, especially the portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj's mother and his wife, add depth to the story, showcasing their influence and resilience in a world dominated by war and politics. The music
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And background score elevate the film's grandeur, making key moments even more unforgettable. The battle sequences are choreographed with precision, striking a fine balance between realism and cinematic spectacle.
. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the brutality of war, yet it never loses sight of the human emotions that drive these conflicts.
And background score elevate the film's grandeur, making key moments even more unforgettable. The battle sequences are choreographed with precision, striking a fine balance between realism and cinematic spectacle.
. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the brutality of war, yet it never loses sight of the human emotions that drive these conflicts.
I want to ask the makers? Why not choose Ajay Atul instead of a jewel thief Rehman?
Were you deaf when he composed music in electric guitar to raise emotions, romantic scene in piano? Where is the folk Maharashtrian music? Most of the times I felt like I'm watching Braveheart by Mel Gibson.
Climax though conceptualized in best way but not going with facts.
If a person reads Chaava novel, there are myriad facts that are missing.
Director was very careful to keep a secular angle.
Vicky National award fix. Guirella warfare was not properly graphed. Only one who have the read the book would understand the nuances.
Were you deaf when he composed music in electric guitar to raise emotions, romantic scene in piano? Where is the folk Maharashtrian music? Most of the times I felt like I'm watching Braveheart by Mel Gibson.
Climax though conceptualized in best way but not going with facts.
If a person reads Chaava novel, there are myriad facts that are missing.
Director was very careful to keep a secular angle.
Vicky National award fix. Guirella warfare was not properly graphed. Only one who have the read the book would understand the nuances.
While the movie is based on the book, the events could have been portrayed with a much better screenplay and some better music. Overall the movie is good but there were many parts that could have been acted well.
Screenplay suffers in many areas before and after interval where it slows down the pace of thw film. Dialogue should have been strong enough and music should have elevated the actions performed by the actors. But Rahman added much of the regular average music to this movie with some romantic music to some songs that is generally given to romantic movie songs.
It was the best opportunity he could have used to come back with equal or greater music composition on par with Jodha Akbar that he gave. But it falls much below average. Directors needed to focus more on editing and screenplay skills. Story telling was quiet good. The movie elevated well from the moment he had to fight and get captured till the very end.
It was directed more like a TV serial budget direction. Movies will need much better skills to make it a perfect cut.
Screenplay suffers in many areas before and after interval where it slows down the pace of thw film. Dialogue should have been strong enough and music should have elevated the actions performed by the actors. But Rahman added much of the regular average music to this movie with some romantic music to some songs that is generally given to romantic movie songs.
It was the best opportunity he could have used to come back with equal or greater music composition on par with Jodha Akbar that he gave. But it falls much below average. Directors needed to focus more on editing and screenplay skills. Story telling was quiet good. The movie elevated well from the moment he had to fight and get captured till the very end.
It was directed more like a TV serial budget direction. Movies will need much better skills to make it a perfect cut.
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Did you know
- TriviaThe speech scene before Sambhaji's final assault on Aurangzed was not rehearsed. The enthralling war-cry of "Om Namah Parvati Partaye Har Har Mahadev" (Glories to the consort of Goddess Parvati, Mahadev) was an improvisation by Vicky Kaushal. The script only mentioned the chants of "Jai Bhavani and Har Har Mahadev." However, when Kaushal delivered the line, Utekar decided to retain it for it was more raw and natural flowing.
- GoofsThe prayer callus on Aurangzeb's forehead changes shape, size and placement through out the movie.
- Quotes
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Aurangzeb; the Swaraj you want to finish, is not any Sultanate; it is the Vision of Freedom of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, you can never destroy it!
- Alternate versionsThe film was passed with a UA certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, the film had to go through certain modifications. The dialogue 'Mughal sultanat ka zehar' (The venom of the Mughal Empire) was replaced with 'Uss samay, kayi shaasak aur sultanat khud ko zinda rakhne ki koshish kar rahe the' (In those dark times, countless rulers and kingdoms fought for survival). Another dialogue 'Khoon toh aakhir Mughalon ka hi hai' (The blood is of the Mughals after all) was changed to 'Khoon toh hai Aurang ka hi' (The blood is of Aurang after all). The words 'haramzaadon' and 'haramzaada' were muted while 'Aameen' was replaced with 'Jai Bhavani'. A certain dialogue in the first half was replaced while a scene showing Maratha warriors clad in a saree was also removed. Further, '16 saal' (16 years) was replaced with '14 saal' (14 years), '22 saal ka ladka' (22-year old boy) was replaced with '24 saal ka ladka' (24-year old boy) while '9 saal' (9 years) was modified to 'kayi saal' (many years). Lastly, the CBFC members asked the makers to insert an audio-text disclaimer stating the name of the book from which the film is adapted and that it doesn't intend to defame anybody or distort historical facts.
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Сын льва
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $4,800,000
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $1,790,000
- Feb 16, 2025
- Gross worldwide
- $8,219,603
- Runtime2 hours 41 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39:1
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