Laxman Utekar's directorial historical action film Chhaava starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna in the lead roles, was released in theatres on 14th February 2025
Chhava chronicles Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's (Vicky Kaushal) relentless pursuit of Swaraj after his father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s death.
His daring strike on Burhanpur provokes Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna), leading to a fierce power struggle. The internal betrayal shifts the course of history, leading to a gripping saga of bravery and sacrifice.
The biggest highlight of Chhava is Vicky Kaushal's powerful performance, combined with spine-chilling dialogues that guarantee goosebumps, making it an engaging watch from start to finish.
AR Rahman’s music composition and background score deserve a special mention for enhancing the battle sequences, while the song Aya Re Toofan leaves a lasting impact.
With breathtaking visuals, Saurabh Goswami expertly captures the expansive battle sequences and intense forest action, while ensuring the post-war devastation feels strikingly real.
With an intimidating aura and sharp gaze, Akshaye Khanna brings Aurangzeb to life, making him a truly menacing force. He brilliantly conveys the emperor’s boundless ambition and ruthless pursuit of power.
After delivering back-to-back blockbusters with Animal and Pushpa 2: The Rule, Rashmika Mandanna continues her strong streak with Chhava. She shines, especially in the emotionally charged moments following Sambhaji’s capture.
Vineet Kumar Singh stands out as Kavi Kalash, delivering a heartfelt performance that adds warmth to the narrative. His bond with Sambhaji provides some of the film’s most memorable moments.
Ashutosh Rana as Hambirrao Mohite, Diana Penty as Zinat-un-Nissa Begum, Divya Dutta as Soyarabai, Santosh Juvekar as Rayaji Malge, Alok Nath as Somaji, and Kiran Karmarkar as Annaji Datto Sachiv deliver commendable performances, adding depth to the film.
The narrative loses momentum in the first half, and the war sequences in the second half don’t fully deliver. A more refined execution and a sharper screenplay could have made a big difference. A tighter edit by Manish Pradhan could have enhanced the film’s pacing and overall engagement.
With an opening day collection of Rs 33.1 crores, Chhaava becomes Vicky Kaushal’s first double-digit opener and the biggest of his career, surpassing Bad Newz (Rs 8.62 crores). It also emerges as the highest opener of 2025, overtaking Sky Force.
Rating: 7/10
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