Chhaava is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language historical action film that brings to life the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second emperor of the Maratha Empire, portrayed by Vicky Kaushal. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the film is an adaptation of Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel Chhava. The ensemble cast includes Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and Vineet Kumar Singh.
The film presents an inspiring portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s valiant struggle for Swaraj, demonstrating the dedication of its filmmakers. With a robust screenplay, meticulous direction, and stunning visuals, Chhaava effectively recreates the brutal Maratha-Mughal conflict. Vicky Kaushal delivers a commanding performance, supported by powerful contributions from Vineet Kumar Singh and Akshaye Khanna. The technical crew, including the DOP, editors, and costume designers, deserves recognition for their exceptional work, while A.R. Rahman’s evocative music enhances the film’s emotional and dramatic depth.
Rather than being a full-fledged biopic, Chhaava primarily focuses on the Battle of Burhanpur, paying homage to Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy. While the first half suffers from occasional pacing issues, the second half builds to an intense and gripping climax, culminating in a powerful confrontation between Sambhaji and Aurangzeb. Despite minor flaws in the background score and some action sequences, the film’s strong visuals and rich costume design contribute to its overall impact, making Chhaava a compelling historical spectacle.
Note: The film is going to be dubbed and released in Telugu language on 7th of March
Rating: 8 out of 10
