Chhaava Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal Shines in This Historical Epic

Image Source- CNBC TV18

Some stories are too grand for a screen, yet when told right, they seep into your soul, long after the credits roll. Chhaava is one such film. I missed its theatrical release, and that honestly feels like a mistake now. Watching it on Netflix this week felt like discovering a piece of history that demanded my full attention, not because it was grand but brutally honest.

This isn’t just a film about a warrior. It’s about a son trying to protect a kingdom and a legacy, while quietly drowning under the weight of both. Even though many of you might have already experienced it, I still wanted to share my thoughts on this masterpiece.

Chhaava on Netflix – What’s the Story About? (No Spoilers) 

Chhaava begins after the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, when the Maratha Empire is at a crossroads. His son, Sambhaji Maharaj, is thrust into the spotlight not by choice, but by duty. The world expects him to be the next Shivaji, to lead with the same charisma and command, to carry the Maratha legacy forward without faltering. But the film doesn’t paint him as a flawless hero. Instead, it gives us a human portrait of a king in conflict with the Mughals at his gates, spies within his court, and deep scars in his heart.

There are layers of emotional tension throughout: the loss of family, the betrayal by those he trusted, and the quiet heartbreak of being misunderstood, even by the people he’s trying to protect. The film walks you through battles not just of the battlefield, but of identity, faith, and inner strength. Rather than presenting a timeline of events, the film immerses you in the lived experience of its characters, layer by layer, moment by moment. And in doing so, it lets you see the man beneath the crown.

Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna Deliver Soulful Performances 

Vicky as Sambhaji is what I’d call one of his finest performances. He doesn’t rely on dramatic flair instead, his strength lies in the quiet intensity he brings to every scene. His eyes speak before his lips do. There’s a simmering rage in him, but also moments of deep sorrow, restrained affection, and quiet hope. You can see the conflict within him, the one that creates scars that take time to heal. It’s a masterclass in emotional nuance.

Rashmika delivers a graceful performance as Yesubai, bringing warmth and quiet strength to the role. However, at times, her pronunciation and tone feel slightly off, especially in scenes heavy with regional slang. A bit more fluency in the dialect could’ve made her portrayal even more immersive, but her emotional presence still holds strong.

As the Mughal emperor, Akshaye doesn’t resort to clichés. He plays Aurangzeb with a calm ruthlessness, the kind that makes your skin crawl. His restraint makes him even more menacing. He's not just a villain, but a strategist who knows how to break spirits more than bodies.

 Direction, Visuals & Soundtrack – The Technical Brilliance  

The direction by Laxman Utekar deserves applause for keeping the film grounded. No melodrama, no over-the-top heroism. Just a man, a ruler, and his journey through impossible expectations. The cinematography stands out with its rich visuals, dusty roads, candle-lit rooms, shadowy courtyards, and big open battlefields, all come together to make the world feel real and alive and not like a movie set.

Amit Trivedi’s music doesn’t overpower. Instead, it breathes with the story, subtle, haunting, and always in sync with the film’s emotional rhythm. One background score, used during a quiet confrontation, gave me actual chills.

 

Final Thoughts – Why Chhaava is Worth Your Time 

Chhaava isn’t just a historical film; it’s a deeply emotional tale of power, sacrifice, and what it means to carry forward a legacy you didn’t ask for but must honor anyway. It doesn’t give you easy answers. It doesn’t glorify war or nationalism. What it gives you is a messy, aching, heavy truth.

I found myself thinking about Sambhaji Maharaj not as a king on a coin or a name in a textbook, but as a man who had to grow up too fast, grieve in silence, and make decisions that no heart should have to make.

This film asks you to sit with discomfort, with quiet moments, with complex characters. It doesn’t scream its message it lets it settle in you. And for me, that’s what makes it unforgettable.

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