Chhaava Review: Vicky Kaushal Shines in Uneven Historical Drama
Chhaava review: Vicky Kaushal impresses as Sambhaji Maharaj, but inconsistent pacing and overdone action scenes hold the film back. Read the full review.
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Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava presents the tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the successor to the Maratha empire’s founder, Shivaji Maharaj. The film follows his battle against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, played by Akshaye Khanna. The narrative highlights the ideological and military conflict between the two rulers, centering on Sambhaji’s resilience against the Mughal expansion.
Adapted from Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhaava, the film attempts to bring grandeur to the Maratha history. The screenplay integrates large-scale battle sequences, dramatic war cries, and elaborate set designs. However, despite its visual ambition, the film struggles with pacing, particularly in the first half, where emotional depth remains underdeveloped.
A pivotal moment arrives when Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji reaches its peak. The character’s unwavering commitment to Swaraj is evident when he single-handedly fights off enemies, demonstrating his indomitable spirit. Yet, this high point comes after an inconsistent build-up, testing the audience’s patience.
Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal captures the ferocity and conviction of Sambhaji. His transformation into the warrior king is commendable, with an intense screen presence that commands attention. The latter part of the film particularly showcases his ability to balance power and vulnerability.
Akshaye Khanna’s Aurangzeb emerges as a formidable antagonist. His calculated demeanor and sharp expressions add to the film’s dramatic tension. The power struggle between him and Kaushal’s character intensifies the narrative, with their confrontations being some of the film’s strongest moments.
Rashmika Mandanna, as Yesubai, adds emotional depth to the film, though her screen time remains limited. Diana Penty’s portrayal of Zeenat could have carried more weight, while Divya Dutta’s performance as Soyrabai, though impactful, is brief. Viineet Kumar Singh’s role as Kavi Kalash adds poetic gravitas, enhanced by lyrical dialogues co-written by Irshad Kamil.
The cinematography effectively captures battle sequences and grand palace settings, reinforcing the historical backdrop. However, prolonged action scenes stretch beyond necessity, reducing their impact. AR Rahman’s background score provides intensity to crucial moments, though the soundtrack lacks memorability.
Chhaava aims to be an epic historical retelling but falls short due to its uneven execution. While Vicky Kaushal delivers a compelling performance, the film’s pacing and overemphasis on stylized combat diminish its emotional impact. Strong performances and grand visuals provide moments of brilliance, but a tighter narrative would have elevated it further.
