'Chhava' is a film to live the unheard story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on the big screen. In this film, Vicky Kaushal is seen in the role of Maratha warrior Sambhaji Maharaj, while Rashika Mandana has shown her power in the role of Maharani Yesubai. At the same time, Akshaye Khanna as a dangerous Mughal ruler Aurangzeb adds a different aggression in the film.
The film introduces the best mix of historical events, exciting action, emotional ups and downs. This story is not only limited to war and victory, but it is also a story of sacrifices made for struggle, betrayal and freedom.
The film begins in January 1681, when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb gets information that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has passed away. Hearing this news, Aurangzeb feels that now he will easily capture the Maratha Empire of Deccan. But he does not know that Sambhaji alias 'Chhava', son of Shivaji Maharaj, is going to be the biggest challenge for him.
Sambhaji Maharaj becomes a big threat to the Mughals with his valor and leadership capacity. They attack Burhanpur and show their power by defeating the Mughals. This victory proves to be a major setback for the Mughals because Burhanpur was an important and rich city of the Mughal Empire at that time.
After this defeat, Aurangzeb gets excited and prepares a huge army to defeat Sambhaji Maharaj. In any case, he vowes to end the Maratha Empire and establish his supremacy. On the other hand, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj prepares a strategy with his army and is ready to face Aurangzeb's challenges firmly.
In 'Chhava', Vicky Kaushal has once again proved that he can kill every character. In this film, he has completely molded the personality of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Their dialogues, physical language and screen presence are tremendous. It would not be wrong to say that this is one of the most influential performance of Vicky Kaushal's career.
Rashmika Mandana's presence in the character of Yesubai is strong. He has engraved the dignity and emotional side of the Maratha Maharani on the screen well. At the same time, Akshaye Khanna has done tremendous work in the form of Aurangzeb. Cruelty and cleverness reflects their eyes, which makes his character even more impressive.
In the supporting cast, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh and Diana Penty have also performed brilliantly in their characters. His presence makes the story of the film stronger.
The film is directed by Laxman Utekar, who is known for films like 'Mimi', 'Luka Chuppi' and 'Jara Hatke Jara Bacheke'. However, this time he has tried his hand in a completely different genre. They have been completely successful in presenting history effectively.
The cinematography of the film is very grand. Each frame has been filmed so beautifully that the atmosphere of the 17th century feels alive. War scenes have been filmed brilliantly, which immerse the audience in the valor and struggle of that era.
AR Rahman's music also makes the film's soul strong. The songs maintain the flow of story and add depth to every emotional and war scene of the film.
However, there are some small jump cuts in the film, which interrupt the story's rhythm in between. But this is not a big problem because the effect of story and acting is so deep that these shortcomings can be ignored.
If you are fond of historical films, valor stories and epic level performance, then 'Chhawa' will be a great experience for you. The film has a strong story, strong acting, grand scene and amazing cinematography. If some small flaws are left, then this film is worth watching on the big screen.