‘Chhaava’ movie review: Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna compete for spotlight in this uneven portrayal of a Maratha legend

Chhaava Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna Elevate an Uneven Historical Drama

The silver screen comes alive with the clash of empires in Chhaava, a sweeping historical drama that pits Vicky Kaushal's fiery portrayal of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj against Akshaye Khanna's chilling embodiment of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. While the film delivers breathtaking visuals and powerhouse performances, its inconsistent storytelling leaves audiences wanting more from this ambitious tribute to a legendary figure.  

Director Laxman Utekar's vision shines through in the film's grand battle sequences and meticulous recreation of 17th-century India, where every ornate costume and sun-baked fortress feels authentic. Yet for all its visual splendor, Chhaava struggles to maintain momentum, alternating between pulse-pounding action and sluggish exposition that tests viewers' patience during its nearly three-hour runtime.  

Kaushal disappears into his role with characteristic intensity, his physical transformation matched by an emotional depth that captures Sambhaji's warrior spirit and human vulnerabilities. However, the script often reduces this complex historical figure to a series of heroic poses, missing opportunities to explore his political acumen and personal conflicts. The real revelation comes from Khanna, whose understated yet terrifying Aurangzeb dominates every scene he's in, creating a villain who looms large even when off-screen.  

The film's supporting cast, including Rashmika Mandanna as Queen Yesubai, struggles to make an impact with limited screen time, their potential emotional arcs truncated by the screenplay's focus on spectacle over substance. While the climactic confrontation between Sambhaji and Aurangzeb delivers the dramatic payoff audiences crave, the journey there feels uneven, with key historical moments either glossed over or stretched thin.  

Chhaava ultimately succeeds as a showcase for its two lead actors and as a visual feast of period filmmaking, but falls short of becoming the definitive cinematic tribute its subject deserves. The film's highlights - particularly the electrifying scenes between Kaushal and Khanna - make it worthwhile viewing for fans of historical epics, even as its flaws serve as a reminder of how challenging it is to balance historical authenticity with mass appeal.  

Rating: 3/5 - A visually stunning but narratively uneven historical drama that's elevated by its lead performances.