Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava takes on the ambitious task of portraying the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, in a historical epic. Adapted from the Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Govind Samrat, the film is visually mesmerizing but falls short in its storytelling.
While Chhaava movie review highlights its strong battle choreography and an intense performance from Vicky Kaushal, it struggles with one-dimensional character arcs and an inconsistent narrative.
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A Grand Opening That Sets the Stage
The film begins with the news of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s death reaching Aurangzeb’s court. Unlike his courtiers, who see this as a victory, Aurangzeb (played by Akshaye Khanna) mourns the loss of a worthy opponent. The narrative quickly shifts to Sambhaji Maharaj’s aggressive response—a calculated strike against the Mughal forces that sets the tone for the Maratha resistance.
This opening is impactful, setting up the stakes of the conflict. However, as Chhaava review reveals, the film becomes a repetitive showcase of sword fights rather than a layered depiction of history.
Vicky Kaushal’s Commanding Presence
There is no doubt that Vicky Kaushal is the backbone of Chhaava. His portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj is intense, physically demanding, and emotionally raw. Whether he is leading his troops into battle or mourning his personal losses, Kaushal delivers a compelling performance. His physical transformation is evident, and he exudes the warrior spirit that the character demands.
However, the script does not give him enough space to explore the complexities of his character. His rage, though justified, becomes repetitive, and there are few quiet moments that allow the audience to connect with his internal struggles.
Akshaye Khanna’s Subtle Yet Powerful Performance
Playing the role of Aurangzeb, Akshaye Khanna brings a restrained menace to his character. His scenes, though limited, add weight to the film.
He is a ruler burdened by his own ambitions, and his rivalry with Sambhaji is one of the more nuanced elements of the narrative. Unfortunately, the film does not explore their dynamic beyond the battlefield.
Battle Sequences That Impress but Overwhelm
One of Chhaava movie review‘s key takeaways is that the film heavily leans on its battle sequences. Director Laxman Utekar and cinematographer Saurabh Goswami create visually stunning action set pieces. The choreography of the fights is precise, and every sword strike is captured with intensity.
One of the most gripping sequences is an indoor battle where Maratha warriors and Mughal soldiers are forced into close combat. The tension is palpable, with shields forming a suffocating canopy and the soundtrack becoming eerily muted. It’s in moments like these that Chhaava excels.
However, the reliance on action sequences overshadows the film’s narrative depth. The film rarely slows down to reflect on the psychological and emotional toll of war, making it feel like an endless cycle of battles.
Lack of Nuance in Storytelling
Despite its grand visuals, Chhaava review points out a fundamental flaw—the lack of depth in its storytelling. The film portrays the Marathas as heroic warriors and the Mughals as ruthless adversaries, with little room for complexity.
The concept of Swarajya, which was central to Shivaji’s vision and later to India’s independence movement, is reduced to a series of patriotic speeches rather than a deeper exploration of governance, loyalty, and sacrifice. The political intricacies of the Maratha empire and the conflicts within are barely touched upon.
Even the strategic brilliance of Sambhaji Maharaj is underplayed. While the film briefly mentions guerilla warfare, it does not delve into the tactical genius behind it. Instead, the audience is left with broad-stroke declarations about victory and valor.
Supporting Cast: Underutilized Talents
Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai is visually regal but does not get enough screen time to establish her influence in Sambhaji’s life. Diana Penty, as Zinat-un-Nissa Begum, has an even smaller role, limited to reaction shots and a few moments of cruelty.
Veteran actors like Ashutosh Rana (Hambirrao) and Divya Dutta (Soyarabai) also do not get the screen presence they deserve. Their characters, who played crucial roles in history, are reduced to secondary players in a film that should have given them more prominence.
Music That Feels Out of Place
One of the most jarring elements of Chhaava is its background score by A.R. Rahman. While Rahman is a maestro of composition, his work in this film does not match the historical setting.
The music feels more suited for a contemporary war film rather than a period epic. Instead of enhancing the emotional beats of the film, it becomes an overwhelming distraction.
Chhaava Box Office Collection: Can It Withstand the Competition?
Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava made a powerful debut at the box office, raking in an impressive ₹13.81 crore on its opening day, Friday, as per early estimates by industry tracker Sacnilk. The strong earnings were reflected in the film’s audience turnout, with a notable 32.51% Hindi occupancy on February 14.
The film saw 30.51% occupancy in morning shows, which later climbed to 34.50% by the evening, indicating growing interest throughout the day. Notably, Chhaava has outperformed Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force and Himesh Reshammiya’s Badass Ravi Kumar in morning show footfalls for 2025. While Sky Force recorded a mere 10.29% morning occupancy, and Badass Ravi Kumar stood at 13.09%, Chhaava has soared past both to claim the highest morning occupancy for the year.
Additionally, the film has set a personal milestone for Vicky Kaushal, marking his highest-ever opening day occupancy (morning shows) to date. The actor, while speaking at a promotional event, expressed his gratitude for portraying Chhatrapati Maharaj, saying:
“I am fortunate that I got a chance to play the role of Chhatrapati Maharaj. I am very grateful to Laxman Utekar and Dinesh Vijay Sir for choosing me for this role. Our only effort is that everyone in Maharashtra gets it, even the children get it. All over the world, every child in every home needs to know how we should live.”
Final Verdict: A Box Office Winner or a Passing Storm?
Chhaava delivers a gripping cinematic experience, backed by Vicky Kaushal’s compelling performance and Laxman Utekar’s meticulous direction. The film’s grand visuals, emotionally charged narrative, and powerful action sequences make it a must-watch for history enthusiasts and fans of period dramas.
Its strong opening day collection of ₹13.81 crore, coupled with record-breaking morning show footfalls, has given Chhaava a promising start at the box office. The film’s 32.51% occupancy on Day 1, surpassing Sky Force and Badass Ravi Kumar, is a testament to its audience pull. Additionally, it has secured Vicky Kaushal’s highest-ever morning show occupancy, adding another feather to his cap.
However, sustaining this momentum will be crucial. With fierce competition from upcoming releases, Chhaava needs consistent word-of-mouth support and strong weekend growth to establish itself as a box office powerhouse. If it continues its strong run, the film could emerge as one of 2025’s biggest hits.
For now, Chhaava stands tall as an engaging historical spectacle that blends action, drama, and emotion with remarkable finesse.
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FAQs
How much did Chhaava earn on its opening day?
Chhaava collected ₹13.81 crore on its opening day, as per early estimates by Sacnilk.
How was Chhaava’s first-day theatre occupancy?
The film recorded 32.51% overall Hindi occupancy on Day 1, with morning shows reaching 30.51% and evening shows 34.50%.
Did Chhaava break any box office records?
Yes, Chhaava surpassed Sky Force and Badass Ravi Kumar in morning show footfalls, making it the highest morning occupancy opener of 2025.
What did Vicky Kaushal say about playing Chhatrapati Maharaj?
Vicky Kaushal expressed gratitude, saying, “I am fortunate to play the role of Chhatrapati Maharaj… every child should know how we should live.”
Can Chhaava maintain its box office momentum?
While the film had a strong start, its long-term success depends on positive word-of-mouth and weekend growth amid rising competition.
