Read our in-depth review of Chhaava (2025) starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna. A powerful historical drama that brings the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life with grit and emotion.
Chhaava (2025) – Movie Review
Directed by: Laxman Utekar
Produced by: Maddock Films
Starring: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna
Genre: Historical Drama
Language: Hindi
Runtime: Approx. 150 minutes
Release Date: 2025
Introduction
Chhaava (translating to “Shadow”) is a stirring historical drama that brings to life the valiant yet lesser-known story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar, known for blending emotion with compelling visuals, the film aspires to go beyond textbook history to portray the raw humanity, bravery, and sacrifice of a prince who stood as a symbol of resistance against the Mughal Empire.
Starring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role and Rashmika Mandanna in a pivotal performance as Yesubai, Chhaava is a film that attempts to balance historical authenticity with cinematic storytelling.
Plot Summary
Set in 17th-century India during a time of intense Mughal-Maratha conflict, Chhaava traces the life and legacy of Sambhaji Bhosale, heir to Shivaji’s throne. As the film unfolds, we witness Sambhaji’s transformation from a scholarly yet emotionally torn youth into a fierce warrior-king determined to protect his people and his father’s ideals.
The film covers major events: Sambhaji’s strategic battles against the Mughals, his turbulent relationship with court politics, the betrayal from within his own ranks, and ultimately his martyrdom — a moment etched in Indian history for its sheer brutality and courage.
Performance Highlights
Vicky Kaushal delivers a career-defining performance as Sambhaji. With a blend of physical intensity, vulnerability, and regal composure, he fully inhabits the role of a warrior-poet torn between duty and destiny. From battle cries to quiet philosophical moments, Vicky displays remarkable range.
Rashmika Mandanna, as Yesubai, stands out in a relatively restrained role. She brings dignity and emotional weight, particularly in scenes that explore the strength and sacrifice of royal women during times of war. Her chemistry with Vicky Kaushal lends warmth to an otherwise politically charged narrative.
Supporting actors portraying historical figures like Aurangzeb, Hambirrao Mohite, and Rajaram Bhosale offer solid performances that add complexity to the political backdrop.
Direction & Screenplay
Laxman Utekar takes a bold step in steering away from commercial excess, instead opting for grounded storytelling. The screenplay, co-written by Utekar and historical consultants, maintains a good pace through the first two acts. The final act, focused on Sambhaji’s capture and defiance in the face of death, is emotionally searing and masterfully executed.
However, the film occasionally falters with expository-heavy dialogue and flashbacks that slightly hinder the narrative flow. Some sequences could have benefited from tighter editing.
Cinematography & Visuals
Visually, Chhaava is a feast. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the Sahyadri ranges, Maratha forts, and battlefields with sweeping aerial shots and earthy palettes. The battle scenes are gritty and realistic, steering away from stylized action in favor of visceral authenticity. Lighting plays a major role in contrasting the warmth of Maratha forts with the cold, imperial dread of the Mughal court.
The costume design and production sets are historically rich, with meticulous attention paid to armor, fabrics, and architectural details of the era.
Music & Background Score
The soundtrack by a trio of composers blends folk influences with classical Marathi sounds. War anthems, devotional songs, and emotional ballads are interspersed effectively throughout the narrative.
The background score enhances the emotional gravity of several scenes — especially during Sambhaji’s final moments and battle montages — without overwhelming the viewer.
Themes & Emotional Depth
Chhaava is not just a war drama — it is a meditation on freedom, legacy, betrayal, and courage. Sambhaji is portrayed as a flawed but fiercely loyal son of the soil, a man shaped by both scholarly ideals and battlefield realities. His ideological clash with Aurangzeb, who represents tyranny cloaked in religion, adds philosophical tension to the narrative.
The film also highlights the unsung role of women in Maratha history — resilient, political, and central to sustaining the fight for sovereignty.
Flaws
- The pace dips slightly in the second act with excessive court scenes.
- Some historical liberties may irk purists.
- Rashmika’s role, though pivotal, could have been fleshed out more to deepen her emotional arc.
Verdict
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 4/5
Chhaava is a powerful tribute to a warrior who defied an empire and refused to surrender his identity. With outstanding performances, sincere direction, and strong visuals, the film stands tall among India’s best historical dramas.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a Vicky Kaushal fan, or someone looking for a story of valour and sacrifice, Chhaava is a must-watch. It resurrects a chapter of Indian history that deserves to be remembered — not just as legend, but as lived reality.