Chhava Review: The Untold Saga of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Chhava (2025) is an action-drama in the historical genre and re-tells the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's bravado, the fearless Maratha warrior and son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Laxman Utekar directs and writes, with Maddock Films producing the film, which follows the story of Sambhaji on his journey to battle to defend his kingdom against the brutal Mughal regime of Emperor Aurangzeb. 

Vicky Kaushal plays Sambhaji in the lead role, with Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai, in a film that is a mix of gritty tale-telling and stunning visuals with a haunting A.R. Rahman music score. Historical dramas dominated the OTT film space, but "Chhava" has been promised as a rich cinematic experience, with nail-biting fights, emotional content, and tribute to one of India's greatest heroes.

Chhava: The Roar of a Warrior King

A 17th-century historical novel, Chhava is the motivational life narrative of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the courageous son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, fighting to keep the Maratha Empire at bay against the relentless advance of the Mughal Empire.

After the death of Shivaji, Sambhaji takes the throne by political manipulation, stabbing from behind, and relentless threats by Machiavellian Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, intent on annihilating the Marathas. Struggling with his own court and unrelenting war on all fronts, Sambhaji is a chivalrous king, great tactician, and indefatigable warrior.

The movie displays his brutality in battle, his strategies of flight which were risky, and martyrdom for the commoners and people and his own crimes such as his obsessive devotion to Maharani Yesubai and his shadow of father. 

While Aurangzeb unleashes wrath to arrest and slay Sambhaji, the warlord king would not give way, choosing honor over submission in a cliff-hanger duel that inscribes his name on history's pages for eternity as the Chhava—the Marathas' lion.

Powerhouse Performances That Bring History to Life

Vicky Kaushal delivers an towering act playing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with a perfect blend of intensity, grittiness, and emotional complexity. His body as well as emotional makeovers make the role believable, and all the action scenes as well as dramatic shots appear raw and earthy.

Rashmika Mandanna, playing Maharani Yesubai, infuses the character with poise and ferocity and transforms the queen from being a dutiful wife, but an operator and confidante of Sambhaji. Her love story with Vicky Kaushal is tragic and poignant and provides an emotional undertone to the movie.

Akshaye Khanna, playing Aurangzeb, is menacing and cruel, his frightening interpretation of the Mughal emperor's choice to eliminate the Marathas generating suspense in the film. All the battles with Sambhaji are electrified with voltage being sent down it by his commanding screen presence.

The rest of the cast, which consists of veteran actors in supporting roles, assists in the historical sweep of the film so that Chhava is not only an eyes feast but also rather a sink-in and hard-hitting emotional experience for audiences.

Chhava Movie Review: A Spectacular Tribute to a Warrior King

Laxman Utekar's Chhava is a majestic historical epic that dramatizes the time immemorial story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, interweaving gritty storytelling, action-packed passion, and emotional depth into a cinematically charged rollercoaster.

Story & Direction

The movie elegantly traces the path of Sambhaji—of being a prince haunted by his father's legacy to being a fearlessly defiant king confronting the powers of the Mughal Empire. Utekar skillfully navigates war, politics, and personal struggle to make history both intimate and epic. The pace of the narrative falters at times, but is kept afloat by intense war sequences and emotional scenes.

Cinematography & Music

Visually, Chhava is a extravaganza, war scenes mind-boggling, period setting rich, and wonderful cinematography which transports the viewer to 17th-century India. A.R. Rahman's music does a magic in amplifying the experience, with a good background score and poignant songs which bring home the emotional high of the movie.

Conclusion

Chhava is an absolute must-see for those who love their history and their action, an visually breathtaking, emotionally charged, and deeply humane tribute to the great warrior king of India. The film, admittedly, falters here and there, but its riveting performances, lavish visuals, and gripping tale are enough reasons to watch the film on a cinema screen.