Chhaava (2025) Movie ft Vicky Kaushal – Bollyflix

Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, represents one of 2025’s most ambitious historical dramas. The film stars Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, alongside Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai, with Akshaye Khanna delivering a standout performance.

Based on Shivaji Sawant’s acclaimed Marathi novel Chhava, this period drama chronicles the life and struggles of Sambhaji, the valiant son of the legendary Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film features music by A.R. Rahman and was released on February 14, 2025.

Chhaava Actor Name

Plot and Storyline

The story centers around the period following Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s death, which sparked the intense Maratha-Mughal conflict. Sambhaji assumes leadership of the Maratha Empire and leads resistance against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s forces.

The film explores themes of valor, sacrifice, and legacy as Sambhaji navigates challenges of living up to his father’s reputation. The screenplay balances grand battle sequences, political intrigue, and intimate character moments.

However, the film has faced criticism for certain historical inaccuracies, which have sparked controversy among historians and cultural purists.

Cast Performance

Vicky Kaushal delivers what many consider his most powerful performance as Sambhaji Maharaj. His physical transformation and emotional depth bring authenticity to the character. Critics praise his ability to embody the fierce spirit and regal bearing of the Maratha warrior king.

Rashmika Mandanna’s performance as Maharani Yesubai has received mixed reactions. While director Laxman Utekar praised her casting, some critics found her accent distracting and felt she was miscast for the role.

Akshaye Khanna’s performance has been universally acclaimed. Critics note his seasoned acting brings gravitas to the film, providing strong support to the lead performances.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Laxman Utekar takes a significant leap into large-scale filmmaking with Chhaava. His direction demonstrates masterful understanding of epic storytelling, though the film suffers from pacing issues.

The film’s technical achievements include intricate battle choreography and authentic production design. However, critics point out problems with editing consistency and excessive dramatization of historical characters.

Music and Background Score

A.R. Rahman’s musical contribution presents a mixed bag. While tracks like Chhaava Prithvi Theme and Jaane Tu work well, several compositions feel misplaced. The sound design has been criticized for being excessively loud during crucial scenes.

Critical Reception and Ratings

The film holds a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb, indicating generally favorable audience reception. Professional critics have praised Vicky Kaushal’s performance while criticizing pacing issues and historical liberties.

Rotten Tomatoes reviews show divided critical consensus, with ratings ranging from 2.5/5 to 3.5/5. Many reviews highlight the film’s visual grandeur while pointing to weak character development as concerns.

Audience response reveals polarized reactions. While many appreciate Vicky Kaushal’s commitment and the film’s grand scale, others find issues with dark cinematography and loud sound design.

Box Office Performance

Commercially, Chhaava has emerged as a significant success, earning between ₹783 crore to ₹807.40 crore worldwide. This makes it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 and the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year.

The film opened with a strong collection of ₹13.18 crore on its first day, indicating strong audience interest despite mixed critical reception.

What I Liked About the Film

Vicky Kaushal’s transformation completely won me over. His portrayal of Sambhaji feels authentic and powerful, showing his growth as an actor capable of carrying historical epics.

The visual spectacle impressed me greatly. The film succeeds in creating stunning representations of historical Maharashtra, with impressive battle sequences and detailed period costumes.

I appreciated the grand production scale evident in set design and cinematography, which effectively transports audiences to the historical period.

What Could Be Better

The pacing issues bothered me throughout the film. Inconsistent flow affects narrative engagement and makes the viewing experience uneven.

Historical inaccuracies disappointed me as they undermine the film’s authenticity. These liberties have rightfully drawn criticism from historians.

I felt Rashmika Mandanna was miscast for this role. While she looked the part, her accent and performance didn’t convince me as a Marathi maharani.

The sound design overwhelmed me in several sequences. Instead of enhancing drama, the loudness created an uncomfortable viewing experience.

Final Verdict

Chhaava stands as an ambitious historical epic that succeeds in delivering visual grandeur and a powerful central performance from Vicky Kaushal. While achieving commercial success, it falls short of being the definitive historical drama it aspires to be.

The film represents a significant step forward for director Laxman Utekar in handling large-scale productions. Despite its flaws, Chhaava offers engaging cinematic experience for viewers interested in historical dramas.

For history enthusiasts and Vicky Kaushal fans, Chhaava provides enough entertainment value to warrant a theatrical viewing, though it may not satisfy those seeking historical accuracy throughout its runtime.

Rating: 7/10