Rashmika Mandanna

Movie Name : Chhaava

Release Date : February 14, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Diana Penty, and others
Director : Laxman Utekar
Producer : Dinesh Vijan
Music Director : A R Rahman
Cinematographer : Saurabh Goswami
Editors : Manish Pradhan
Related Links : Trailer

Chhaava brings to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a warrior whose resilience and courage shaped history. With Vicky Kaushal in the lead, the film arrives in theaters with high expectations. Does it live up to them? Let’s find out.

Story:

The film opens with the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a moment that shakes the Maratha Empire. Stepping into his father’s legacy, Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) launches an audacious attack on Burhanpur, one of the Mughals’ most formidable forts. Enraged, Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna) sees this as his chance to crush the Marathas once and for all. But Sambhaji’s brilliance on the battlefield keeps the mighty Mughal empire on edge. However, betrayal from within changes everything, leading to his capture at the hands of the enemy. What follows is a saga of defiance, sacrifice, and unyielding courage that must be experienced on the big screen.

Plus Points:

Vicky Kaushal owns the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, delivering a commanding performance that peaks in the climax. His intensity, dialogue delivery, and screen presence elevate the film, making it a treat for history lovers.

Rashmika Mandanna appears in a brief role with limited scope, but she does justice to her part.

Akshaye Khanna, as Aurangzeb, is decent, while Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, and Diana Penty play their roles effectively.

Minus Points:

While the story holds immense historical significance, its execution needed more finesse. Laxman Utekar’s direction is competent, but the screenplay could have been sharper to maintain consistent engagement.

The first half feels stretched, and the war sequences in the second half could have been more gripping. The internal betrayals and conspiracies deserved a stronger emotional buildup, which could have elevated the narrative further.

Despite a rich ensemble of characters, only a few are given the depth they deserve. While Shivaji Maharaj’s presence is felt through voiceover, a few visual glimpses of him could have added a more profound emotional impact.

Akshaye Khanna, though fitting as Aurangzeb, is not given enough weight to stand out. A more vigorous portrayal of his character could have intensified the conflict.

Technical Aspects:

Laxman Utekar presents Sambhaji Maharaj’s valour with conviction, but a more dynamic screenplay would have heightened the experience. AR Rahman’s music is decent, with dialogues by Rishi Virmani and Irshad Kamil making an impact, especially in the climax.

Editing could have been tighter, particularly in the first half, to keep the pacing crisp. The impressive production values add visual grandeur, while Saurabh Goswami’s cinematography is functional but could have been more striking.

Verdict:

On the whole, Chhaava is a watchable historical action drama, driven by Vicky Kaushal’s stellar performance and a well-executed climax. However, its slow-paced narration and excessive length act as drawbacks. For those who revere Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy, the film holds emotional weight. For general audiences, it’s a passable watch. You can give it a watch this weekend.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team