Chhaava movie review: Vicky Kaushal delivers his career best act in a roaring Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj biopic

Star cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Rashmika Mandanna, Diana Penty, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh, Neil Bhoopalam

Director: Laxman Utekar

Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna starrer Chhaava (Lion’s cub) has been in the news since its inception. Adapted from Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel of the same name, the trailer and songs of the movie have garnered tremendous response from fans. While Chhaava is expected to become the biggest opener of the year, does it live up to the sky-high expectations of cinegoers? Let’s find out…

The plot begins from the period of January 1681, where Mughal emperor Aurangzeb gets to know the demise of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Aurangzeb and Mughals are relieved and happy that they can finally capture the Maratha empire of Dakkhan (Deccan). But little did they know about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj aka Chhaava, who attacks Burhanpur (Mughal’s most precious city) defeats them and warns Aurangzeb to not put his devil eyes on Dakkhan.

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Aurangzeb is now furious and takes a vow to capture Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and take revenge from Maratha empire. On the other hand, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj also makes strategies with his troop to tackle and defeat Aurangzeb’s humongous army. And what happens next? Please watch Chhaava on the BIG screen to know that.

Director Laxman Utekar, who directed movies like Mimi, Luka Chuppi and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, deserve brownie points for telling the story of a King, who symbolises bravery and valour. Right from first frame, he keeps the movie pacy, engaging and  entertaining with a lot of thunderous moments.

A.R Rahman’s music, BGM and scores blends beautifully with the narrative and enhances the storytelling. However, the jump cuts might be one of the obstacles that might give you a feeling of disconnect. The camera work of Saurabh Goswami is good while Manish Pradhan’s could have been a bit smoother and crisper.

Talking about the performance, Vicky Kaushal delivered a top-notch act and lived Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Right from his aura dialogues to little nuances, he has aced every department of acting. Rashmika as Yesubai is mesmerizing and undoubtedly delivered one of her finest acts. Akshaye Khanna as cruel Aurangzeb is simply brilliant. Ashutosh Rana Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh and Diana Penty played their roles to the T.

After _Munjya_ and _Stree 2_, Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films has brought exceptional cinematic experience with Chhaava, which perfectly blends historical grandeur with modern storytelling and ensuring that every frame is as visually striking as it is emotionally impactful.

On the whole, Chhaava is a cinematic experience, which should be witnessed on the big screen for star performances and above all to know about the great life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

Chhaava is playing in cinemas