In one powerful scene from Chhaava, Vicky Kaushal, portraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, declares, “Kabhi Sher ke Chhaava ko kutto ke pilon se bhaagte hue dekha hai?” — a line that perfectly captures the spirit, bravery, and fierceness of the legendary Maratha warrior.
The film tells the inspiring story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s son, Sambhaji, who carried forward his father’s dream of Swaraj — self-rule — with the same unyielding passion and courage. Through its narrative, Chhaava effectively delivers this powerful message, evoking deep patriotism and admiration for the Maratha legacy.
The story unfolds after the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a moment that makes the Mughals believe the Maratha Empire has weakened and that they can now dominate the Deccan. But Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal) rises as a formidable force, standing in defiance of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna). Alongside his battles with the Mughals, Sambhaji must also face internal court politics, betrayal, and deceit as he fights tirelessly to uphold his father’s vision of Swarajya.
Chhaava Movie Review: Script Analysis
The screenplay of Chhaava remains sharp and focused, avoiding unnecessary subplots or excessive melodrama. It stays true to its core theme — the valor and spirit of the Marathas. The dialogues, especially during the climax, are power-packed and evoke goosebumps. Lines like Sambhaji’s confident taunt to Aurangzeb, “Hum Maratho ki taraf aa jao, zindagi badal jayegi aur dharm bhi badalna nahi padega,” or Vineet Kumar Singh’s fierce comeback as Kavi Kalash — “Mera ghosht apne kutton ko zaroor khilana taaki unko wafadari seekhne ko mile” — leave a strong impact and perfectly capture the pride and wit of the Maratha warriors.
The narrative gives prime focus to the war and political strategies masterminded by Sambhaji to counter the Mughal invasion. A standout sequence shows Sambhaji and his forces camouflaging with the terrain and using their deep knowledge of the Deccan to launch a stunning attack — a moment that truly resonates with the audience.
However, the portrayal of Mughal ministers occasionally falls into clichés, and the political court sequences could have used tighter writing to add more depth, especially since these internal conflicts were key to Sambhaji’s challenges. Despite these minor shortcomings, the film makes up for it with stellar performances and solid technical execution that elevate the overall experience.
Chhaava Movie Review: Star Performance
Just when it seemed that Vicky Kaushal had reached his peak with Sam Bahadur, he outdoes himself in Chhaava. As Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, he delivers a commanding and emotionally charged performance that captures courage, sacrifice, and unyielding patriotism. His intensity in battle scenes, emotional monologues, and especially the gut-wrenching torture sequence in the climax, showcase the depth of his craft. Vicky truly stands as the heart and soul of the film.
Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna deliver strong performances, but they fail to match Vicky’s magnetic screen presence. Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb lacks the sinister edge one would expect from such a powerful antagonist, though he redeems himself in the final scenes, displaying a complex mix of cruelty and reluctant respect for Sambhaji. Rashmika shines brighter in the second half, where her character emerges as a pillar of strength beside her husband.
Among the supporting cast, Vineet Kumar Singh is impressive as Kavi Kalash, delivering one of the film’s most memorable dialogues with conviction. Ashutosh Rana, in his brief role as Sarsenapati Hambirao Mohite, leaves a lasting impact with his fierce and commanding presence. Unfortunately, Diana Penty is underutilized — her performance feels flat due to limited scope and monotonous dialogue delivery.
Overall, Chhaava thrives on Vicky Kaushal’s powerhouse performance, compelling writing, and emotionally charged storytelling, making it a stirring cinematic tribute to one of India’s most valiant warriors.