Chhava Movie Review: A Cinematic Tribute to History
Vicky Kaushal’s performance in Chhava is beyond exceptional—so powerful that even a 100-gun salute wouldn’t be enough to honor it.
I just watched Chhava, and let me tell you, the 7 AM show was houseful! Not just that, every show in Nagpur is going houseful, proving the immense craze for this movie. And honestly, it deserves every bit of it.
The level of filmmaking here is extraordinary. Maddock Films has showcased sheer genius in how they present each scene, elevating it to an entirely different level.
The Story & Its Impact
As everyone knows, Chhava is based on the life, bravery, and sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj for Hindavi Swarajya. While people are aware of his story, they don’t know it in depth. This movie takes us to that core, and trust me, it will shake you from within.
Every moment of the film gives goosebumps. The performances of every single actor are outstanding, and their casting is perfect. Chhava is beyond epic.
It’s a good thing this movie wasn’t released alongside Pushpa 2, because it would have overshadowed it completely. Chhava isn’t just action-packed; it has emotions, history, passion, intense performances, patriotism, and epic-level action—all backed by a compelling storyline that everyone must watch to understand what happened after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s era.
What legacy did he leave behind? How did his elder son, Sambhaji Maharaj, take it forward a hundred times stronger? How extreme did Aurangzeb’s cruelty become?
Memorable Moments
Speaking of Aurangzeb, the moment when he hears of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s death and says,
“Open the gates of heaven, a lion is arriving,”
it sent shivers down my spine! Imagine—Aurangzeb himself acknowledged that Shivaji Maharaj was no less than a lion.
Another unforgettable moment was when Shivaji Maharaj’s crown was shown, and the emotions of Sambhaji Maharaj in that scene were deeply touching.
The movie is almost 2 hours and 45 minutes long, and since it’s a historical epic, it takes its time to build up. The initial setup is detailed and essential, showcasing Sambhaji Maharaj’s bond with Yesubai, the internal politics of the Maratha kingdom, and the conflict between Aurangzeb and Akbar.
While this might make the movie feel slow at times, it remains historically accurate, and that’s what matters most.
The Brutality of Aurangzeb
The second half is where the film becomes extremely intense. The way Sambhaji Maharaj is captured and tortured is heart-wrenching.
We had read about it in books—his nails being pulled out, salt being rubbed on his wounds, fingers being cut off—but seeing it unfold on screen is something else entirely.
If you enjoy R-rated movies filled with violence, you might think you’re used to such scenes. But trust me, this is different. The emotional connection Marathas and Maharashtrians have with Chhatrapati Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj makes these scenes unbearable to watch.
And the climax—if you don’t tear up during it, let me know.
After the climax, the theater erupted with chants of:
“Jai Shivaji Maharaj ki!”
“Har Har Mahadev!”
Final Verdict
Vicky Kaushal’s performance deserves a National Award—he has truly lived the role of Sambhaji Maharaj. The film doesn’t just tell history; it makes you feel it.
So, don’t watch Chhava just for entertainment—watch it to connect with history, to experience the emotions, and to appreciate the kind of storytelling that deserves immense respect.
How can we forget Akshaye Khanna? He wasn’t in an action-packed role, but he delivered exactly what his character needed.
From my side, Chhava gets a solid 4.5 stars for bringing such an epic historical tale to the big screen.
Jai Jagdamba! Har Har Mahadev!
