Let’s get straight to the point about Chhaava and everything surrounding it. If you still have not watched the film, go see it first. Don’t fall for any rumours, Chhaava is an experience that might just leave you amazed.
Now, let’s talk about Vicky Kaushal. His screen presence is top-notch, no doubt about that. But here’s the thing, while his performance in the first half is solid, it doesn’t really leave a lasting impact. It’s in the second half where he truly takes charge. As the film builds towards the climax, Kaushal makes up for everything. His dialogue delivery, expressions, and intensity really come alive in the latter part of the film.
For the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Vicky Kaushal, known for his versatile roles in films like Uri: The Surgical Strike and Masaan, underwent a significant physical transformation. He gained muscle mass and adopted a rugged look to match the warrior king’s persona. His intense preparation helped bring authenticity to the portrayal of the Maratha ruler. Kaushal’s commitment to the role is clear from the effort he put into learning about the life and legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj, including the 127 battles Sambhaji fought, without ever losing a single one.
Sambhaji Maharaj’s leadership, bravery, and determination were central to his character, and Kaushal conveyed these traits with conviction. On screen, he balanced the regal aspect of a king with the vulnerability of a son, husband, and warrior. His portrayal of Sambhaji’s internal struggles and fighting spirit adds depth to the character, making it more than just a historical figure, it’s a person you can relate to.
Vicky Kaushal’s dialogue delivery and body language truly reflect the royal yet fierce persona of Sambhaji Maharaj. His physicality during battle sequences and the way he interacts with other characters adds a layer of authenticity to the portrayal. Critics and audiences alike have praised him for his powerful performance, recognising his ability to express both the emotional depth and the strength of the character.
Now, coming to Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale. The way her character is portrayed, it never really feels like she is playing a Maratha Queen. Her accent, dialogue delivery, and overall presence don’t quite match the role. It’s just another usual performance from her. There were definitely better Marathi actresses who could have done justice to this role.
And then there’s Akshaye Khanna. When an actor can speak volumes with his eyes and say heavy things with minimal words, that’s what you call a complete performer. He fits Aurangzeb’s role like a glove. If there was ever a perfect casting choice in this film, it’s him. We have seen Akshaye Khanna in romantic and comedy roles, but in a historical character, this is something else. His portrayal of Aurangzeb’s ruthlessness is so convincing that, for a moment, you might actually start seeing him as the emperor himself. He even outshines Vicky Kaushal in terms of performance.
Laxman Utekar, known for his cinematography in films like English Vinglish and Hindi Medium, proves that a keen learner can pull off anything. As the director and screenplay writer of Chhaava, he has done a remarkable job with direction. However, when it comes to casting the right actress for the role of Yesubai, he definitely missed the mark.
The supporting cast delivers solid performances. No major complaints there. The background score is decent, the screenplay is passable, and the animation and VFX efforts are commendable.
The story attempts to stick to history as much as possible, but let’s face it, covering such a vast legacy in just 161 minutes is nearly impossible. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj fought 127 battles and never lost a single one. Just think about it, can that kind of historical depth be fully captured in such a short span? Not really, but the film does its best.
As for the box office numbers, according to Sacnilk.com, the film has earned Rs. 118.97 crore so far.
This is the first-hand experience and review of Chaava, raw, honest, and straight to the point.
