The bar for historical epics and military dramas has fallen considerably. It’s refreshing when Pakistanis and Mughals are depicted as real characters rather than mere stereotypes. Chhaava doesn’t resort to mindless jingoism, but it fails to fully embrace depth and nuance.
The film earns points for competence—its set design is convincing, cinematography is polished, and it avoids demonizing one side while glorifying the other. However, any attempt at a layered narrative is drowned out by excessive hero worship, turning the protagonist into an unshakable legend rather than a compelling character.
Based on Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhava, the film covers the Maratha-Mughal conflict from 1681 to 1689. Following Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s passing, Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna) dismisses the Maratha threat. But Shivaji’s son, Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal), launches a brutal siege on Burhanpur, forcing the Mughals to retaliate with an invasion of the Deccan.
Despite its grand premise, the storytelling remains formulaic. Sambhaji is defined solely by bravery, with supporting characters—including a devoted wife, a scheming rajmata, and disloyal ministers—sticking to predictable tropes. The action sequences, though set in varied locations, lack escalation and rely too much on slow-motion dramatics.
Vicky Kaushal delivers a spirited performance, but Akshaye Khanna steals the show with his icy portrayal of Aurangzeb. Rashmika Mandanna’s Yesubai gets some agency but remains underutilized. Ultimately, the film’s emotional weight is lost in exaggerated theatrics, making its violent climax exhausting rather than stirring.
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