Chhaava, the 2025 blockbuster directed by Laxman Utekar, tells the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj—one of India's most revered historical figures. The film combines historical storytelling with raw emotion, battlefield heroics, and deep patriotism. Released amid much anticipation, Chhaava has proven itself a cultural and box-office success, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna
Genre: Historical Drama
Runtime: ~150 minutes
π Story & Plot – ★★★★☆
The story begins in the shadows of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, where Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) must rise as a leader, warrior, and king. The film follows his struggles against the Mughal empire, internal betrayal, and the burden of continuing his father’s vision.
What stands out is the balance between personal emotion and political duty. The screenplay maintains a gripping pace, with strong character development. The audience is taken through intense war sequences, heartfelt dialogues, and the psychological toll of royal responsibility.
However, at times, the film dips into dramatization more than history, which might bother purists. Still, it delivers a powerful message about courage and conviction.
π Performances – ★★★★½
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Vicky Kaushal steals the show. His transformation into Sambhaji is commanding and sincere. From battle cries to emotional breakdowns, he shows exceptional range.
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Rashmika Mandanna, playing Yesubai (Sambhaji’s wife), offers grace and quiet strength, though her role could have been explored more.
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Akshaye Khanna, in a pivotal supporting role, adds gravitas and tension, delivering a subtle but menacing performance.
Overall, the acting ensemble is one of the film’s biggest strengths.
π¬ Direction & Screenplay – ★★★★☆
Laxman Utekar, previously known for emotional dramas like Mimi, surprises audiences with a historical epic. His ability to balance large-scale battle scenes with intimate human moments shows his range as a director.
He deserves praise for taking a relatively lesser-known chapter of Indian history and turning it into a mainstream cinematic event. The dialogue is sharp, and the pacing—barring a few slower moments in the second act—is tight and engaging.
π️ Cinematography & Visuals – ★★★★☆
The visual storytelling is spectacular. From the forts of Maharashtra to dense battlefields, the cinematography captures both the beauty and brutality of the era.
Costume design, set pieces, and color grading help immerse viewers in 17th-century India. The action choreography is realistic yet dramatic, avoiding over-the-top visual effects in favor of grounded realism.
π΅ Music & Background Score – ★★★½☆
The music, while not extremely memorable as a standalone album, complements the film well. Background scores during war sequences raise the intensity, while softer moments are enhanced by traditional instruments and soulful vocals.
The anthem-style track used during Sambhaji’s final stand is likely to stay with audiences for a while.
⚖️ Historical Accuracy – ★★★☆☆
While Chhaava does draw heavily from historical texts, it also takes creative liberties. Certain scenes are dramatized for impact, and some critics argue that the film leans into nationalism more than factual retelling.
Still, it serves its purpose: bringing the bravery and story of Sambhaji Maharaj to the nati
π Box Office & Public Reception – ★★★★★
Chhaava crossed ₹600 crore in just a few weeks and is well on its way to the ₹800 crore mark globally. Audiences across India, particularly in Maharashtra, have flocked to theaters.
Social media is buzzing with praise for Kaushal's performance, emotional storytelling, and battle scenes. It’s been called a “must-watch” for history lovers and a “crowd-pleaser” for the masses.
⭐ Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
Watch if you like: Historical dramas, patriotic films, war epics, emotional performances
Skip if you prefer: Fast-paced modern thrillers, highly factual documentaries
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