Chhaava review: In a pivotal moment of Chhaava, Vicky Kaushal, portraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji, appears utterly consumed by an intense passion for Swaraj. He valiantly continues to confront the adversary even as his comrades succumb, and it is at this juncture that the film truly comes to life. Regrettably, the journey to this peak is fraught with inconsistencies, testing the audience's patience.

About Chhaava  

Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film centres on the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal. He stands firm against the encroachment of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. Their rivalry escalates dramatically as Aurangzeb vows to don his crown only after Sambhaji's defeat, declaring, “I wore this crown standing on the bodies of my whole family.” The film unfolds further to reveal the complete narrative.

Laxman Utekar's adaptation draws from the novel Chhaava by Shivaji Sawant. From the outset, the film presents a notable concern: while it encompasses war cries, grand scale, and ambitious storytelling—effectively checking all the boxes of a war drama—the filmmakers strive to create visually stunning frames. The authenticity of the props is commendable as well.

What works and what doesn't

The first half of the film lacks a sense of connection. While the grand scale is visually impressive, it fails to evoke any emotional response. Vicky enters as the formidable Sambhaji, heroically saving a child amidst the chaos of battle, yet the anticipated emotional impact remains elusive. The narrative takes its time to delve into the central conflict, and the action sequences become excessive, teetering on the edge of monotony.

Fortunately, the performances guide Chhaava in a positive direction. Akshaye's portrayal of Aurangzeb is particularly menacing, and it is only with his entrance that the story gains momentum.

Vicky convincingly embodies Sambhaji, demonstrating a remarkable transformation in both his demeanour and intensity. The film truly captivates during its final hour, where Vicky excels, especially in his intense exchanges with Akshaye.

Akshaye commands the screen with a powerful presence, his expressive eyes conveying a wealth of emotion. The frustration of his character, as Sambhaji stands firm, is vividly portrayed, enhanced by the impressive ageing effects created by DA Makeup Lab.

Although the female characters are crucial to Chhaava, their screen presence is somewhat limited. Rashmika Mandanna, in her role as Yesubai, delivers commendable emotional depth, though her accent varies in effectiveness. Diana Penty's portrayal of Zeenat could have benefited from a stronger menacing quality. Divya Datta's Soyrabai is given a substantial role, yet her limited screen time diminishes her impact; her character's darker turn could have been explored further.

The film would have benefited from reducing the length of the fight scenes and instead emphasizing the tension that arises during character dialogues. Chhaava had the potential to break new ground by minimizing the reliance on constant battle cries, yet it ultimately fell short of this ambition.

Vineet Kumar Singh makes the most of his role as Kavi Kalash, and Irshad Kamil, credited for the dialogues, is undoubtedly the creative force behind the film's beautiful poetry. While the music by AR Rahman does not particularly stand out, the background score effectively enhances the overall experience.

To sum it up

Chhaava had the potential to serve as a significant homage to the courage and sacrifices of Sambhaji. However, it falls short of this objective due to poor editing and the overemphasis on portraying the Maratha ruler as a superhero. The film truly resonates during the instances when his humanity is highlighted. The irony lies in this contrast.

Read Also: "Chhaava" Review Roundup: Vicky Kaushal's Performance Lauded in Laxman Utekar's Historical Drama

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