CHHAVA: The Masterpiece It Could Have Been

As a self-proclaimed “plot” enthusiast, I often find myself reading movie synopses instead of watching the actual films. However, the fear of missing out (FOMO) compelled me to step into the cinema for Chhava, the historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal and directed by Laxman Utekar, which was released on February 14, 2025. Was it worth submitting to my FOMO? Let’s dissect.

The film begins after the demise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and follows the reign of Chhatrapati Sambhaji. It delves into the challenges he faced as a ruler, culminating in the second half, which prominently features the Battle of Wai, his capture, and the harrowing torture he endured during his captivity.

The director delivers a competent portrayal of history, staying true to the legacy of the Maratha Empire. However, as a Pan-India film, the first half could have been crafted to appeal more effectively to audiences unfamiliar with this chapter of history. That said, the screenplay does shine in certain moments—most notably, the depiction of the Sacking of Burhanpur, which stands out as a well-executed sequence.

The casting choices were somewhat inconsistent. While Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna delivered commendable performances, other noteworthy actors include Ashutosh Rana, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Neil Bhoopalam, all of whom brought depth to their respective roles. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast failed to make a lasting impact, leaving parts of the film feeling less engaging.

One of the biggest drawbacks was the background score, which felt mismatched and uninspired. It significantly dulled the emotional weight of certain well-directed scenes. While the songs in the movie were passable, the overall musical execution left much to be desired.

On the positive side, the historical accuracy of the costumes, sets, and overall production design deserves appreciation. Additionally, the screenplay does enough to maintain clarity, despite the shortcomings of the background score.

Ultimately, Chhava is a film worth watching, though it falls short of achieving cinematic greatness. A more fitting score and a stronger supporting cast could have elevated it significantly. The film is best viewed without any preconceived notions regarding politics or religion—after all, it is a historical drama, not propaganda.

At its core, Chhava is a commendable effort that brings much-needed attention to the unsung warrior king, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. It may not be a masterpiece, but it is, at the very least, a one-time watch for its direction and the stellar performances of its lead actors.