Chhaava is one of the most anticipated Bollywood historical dramas of 2025. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film stars Vicky Kaushal in the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Based on Shivaji Sawant’s renowned Marathi novel “Chhava,” the film aims to depict the untold story of Sambhaji’s sacrifices, bravery, and struggles against the Mughal Empire. With Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles, Chhaava promises an emotional and action-packed cinematic experience. But does it live up to the expectations? Let’s find out.
Plot Summary
The film takes us through the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, showcasing his early struggles, military brilliance, and his relentless fight against the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. It highlights his relationship with his father, Shivaji Maharaj, and how he carved his own legacy as a fearless leader. The story builds tension as Sambhaji battles internal betrayals and external threats, ultimately leading to a tragic yet inspiring climax.
Performances
- Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Vicky delivers a powerful performance, embodying the strength, intelligence, and emotional depth of Sambhaji. His transformation, action sequences, and dialogue delivery are among the film’s biggest highlights.
- Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai: Rashmika portrays Yesubai, Sambhaji’s wife, with grace and resilience. Her chemistry with Vicky Kaushal adds emotional depth to the film.
- Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb: Akshaye Khanna delivers an intense performance as Aurangzeb. His portrayal of the ruthless Mughal ruler adds tension to the narrative, making him a worthy antagonist.
- Supporting Cast: The film features a strong supporting cast, with notable performances that enrich the historical narrative.
Direction and Cinematography
Laxman Utekar, known for his work in Mimi and Luka Chuppi, takes a departure from his usual genres to deliver a grand historical epic. The film’s cinematography beautifully captures the forts, war sequences, and emotional moments. However, certain battle scenes could have been more elaborate for a stronger impact.
Music and Background Score
A.R. Rahman’s music adds soul to Chhaava, blending traditional Marathi folk sounds with cinematic grandeur. The background score enhances the intensity of battle scenes and emotional moments, making the storytelling more immersive.
Strengths of the Film
✔ Vicky Kaushal’s performance elevates the film. ✔ Authentic historical representation with engaging storytelling. ✔ Grand visuals and action sequences keep the audience engaged. ✔ Powerful music and background score that enhances the emotional impact.
Weaknesses of the Film
✖ Some historical inaccuracies may disappoint purists. ✖ Slow pacing in the first half before the action picks up. ✖ Underutilization of Rashmika Mandanna’s character, which could have had more depth.
Box Office Expectations and Performance
Given its grand scale, Chhaava was expected to perform well at the box office. Below is a day-wise chart for tracking its box office performance over the first 10 days:
| Day | Date | India Collection (₹ Cr) | Overseas Collection (₹ Cr) | Total Collection (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Feb 14, 2025 | 37.25 | 10 | 47.25 |
| Day 2 | Feb 15, 2025 | 38.25 (estimated) | TBD | TBD |
| Day 3 | Feb 16, 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Day 4 | Feb 17, 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Day 5 | Feb 18, 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Day 6 | Feb 19, 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Day 7 | Feb 20, 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Day 8 | Feb 21, 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Day 9 | Feb 22, 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Day 10 | Feb 23, 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Total | 10 Days | 9 | TBD | TBD |
(TBD = To Be Determined, awaiting official data updates)
Final Verdict
Chhaava is an ambitious historical drama that does justice to the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. With stellar performances, grand visuals, and an emotional narrative, the film is a must-watch for history enthusiasts and fans of period dramas. While it has a few drawbacks, its strengths outweigh them, making it one of the most significant Bollywood releases of 2025.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
