Goa Declares Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Chhaava’ Tax-Free on Shivaji Jayanti

The Goa government has exempted the Hindi historical film Chhaava from entertainment tax, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced Wednesday. The decision coincided with the 395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Sawant shared the update on X, stating that the film, which depicts the life and struggles of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has been granted tax-free status in the state. He highlighted that the movie reflects the bravery of Sambhaji Maharaj, who resisted the Mughals and Portuguese, defending “Dev, Desh, and Dharma.”

The Goa government’s move aligns with a similar decision by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who also declared Chhaava tax-free in his state on the same day.

Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead role as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles. The historical drama portrays significant events from Sambhaji Maharaj’s life, highlighting his resistance against foreign forces and his dedication to the Maratha Empire.

Critics have given the film a mixed response, with particular praise for Vicky Kaushal’s performance. Chhaava has received a 3.5-star rating from ETimes, which noted its grand visual appeal but pointed out a lack of narrative engagement in the first half. The review highlighted that while A.R. Rahman’s music enhances the cinematic experience, certain tracks feel inconsistent with the historical setting.