Chhaava is a historical action film based on the life of Maratha Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. It is an adaptation of the Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films. It was theatrically released on 14 February 2025 in standard and IMAX formats.
Star Cast:
Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai
Akshaye Khanna as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb
Ashutosh Rana as Sarsenapati Hambirao Mohite
Divya Dutta as Soyarabai
Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash
Diana Penty as Zinat-un-Nissa Begum
Santosh Juvekar as Rayaji Malge
Neil Bhoopalam as Muhammad Akbar
Suvrat Joshi as Kanhoji Angre
Ankit Sharma as Santaji Ghorpade
Balaji Manohar as Maloji GhorpadChhaavae
Shivraj Walvekar as Bahirji Naik
Rohit Pathak as Kakad Khan
Anil George as Muqarrab Khan
Siraj Mustafa as Bahadur Khan
Danish Pandor as Ikhlaas khan
Sarang Sathye as Ganoji Shirke
Prince Kanwal as Hiroji Farjand
Kiran Karmarkar as Annaji Pant
Lavi Pajni as Shahabuddin Firozjang
Trishan Singh as Shehzaada Ajjam
Rufy Khan as Shehzaada Maujjam
Rakesh Thareja as Sarja Khan
Akshay Anand Kohli as Rahulla Khan
Sanjeev Jaiswal as Jhaalad
Ashish Pathode as Antaji Mankeshwar Gandhe
Neelkantee Patekar as Dharau
Laxman Utekar Voice of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Ajay Devgn as Narrator
MOVIE REVIEW: Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, brings to life the valorous tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and his fierce resistance against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. While the film’s first half takes time to set the stage, the second half delivers a gripping and emotionally charged narrative, culminating in a heart-pounding climax where Sambhaji Maharaj single-handedly takes on the Mughals. Despite a slow start, Chhaava ultimately emerges as a thrilling cinematic experience.
The film opens on a solemn note with the demise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, an event that emboldens the Mughals, making them believe the Maratha empire is now vulnerable. However, they underestimate Sambhaji Maharaj, who rises to the occasion with indomitable courage, proving to be an even greater adversary to Aurangzeb. His journey, filled with intense battles, political intrigue, and personal struggles, is depicted with grandeur and emotional depth.
Laxman Utekar’s directorial vision ensures that Chhaava is more than just a war film. The film is a visual spectacle, with its battle sequences being a standout feature. The use of nature’s elements in fight scenes, combined with brilliant cinematography, elevates the intensity of the combat. The action choreography is well-executed, particularly in the final battle where Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj is at its peak.
This film belongs to Vicky Kaushal, who delivers a career-defining performance. His transformation into the fearless warrior is evident not just in his physicality but also in his powerful dialogue delivery. Akshaye Khanna delivers a strong performance with his piercing gaze. Vineet Kumar Singh is a brilliant casting choice, his conversations with Vicky Kaushal provide some of the film’s most poignant moments. Ashutosh Rana is another standout performer. However, the film falls short in doing justice to its female characters. Rashmika Mandanna delivers an earnest performance, but her screen time is limited, and her dialogue delivery is hindered by an accent. Similarly, Diana Penty, playing Aurangzeb’s daughter, is underutilized, with little to contribute to the overall story.
For fans of historical epics and war dramas, Chhaava is a film that deserves to be experienced on the big screen. It may take its time to build momentum, but once it does, it roars like a true tribute to the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Chhaava Movie Rating:
Direction 4/5
Acting 4/5
Music 3/5
Story 4/5
Screenplay 3.5/5
Overall Hit ya Flop Rating: 3.7 out of 5 Stars (Very Good)
Highly Recommended 
