Despite Vicky Kaushal’s Strong Presence, the Period Drama Falls Flat with Bombastic Dialogues and Overwrought Execution
A Grand Spectacle That Misses the Mark
Bollywood’s latest historical epic, Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal, aspires to be a grand retelling of the life and struggles of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. However, rather than delivering a nuanced and compelling period drama, the film descends into an over-the-top, violent spectacle that prioritizes bombastic dialogue, exaggerated heroism, and deafening background scores over genuine storytelling.
The Story: A Legendary Warrior, A Simplistic Narrative
Based on Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel Chhava, the film chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It focuses on his relentless fight against the mighty Mughal Empire led by Emperor Aurangzeb, his capture, and the brutal torture that led to his execution. This David vs. Goliath story, filled with war, betrayal, and resilience, is undeniably rich with cinematic potential. However, rather than presenting a layered and immersive experience, Chhaava opts for a one-dimensional eulogy that lacks depth, subtlety, or emotional complexity.
The Execution: Loud, Over-the-Top, and Exhausting
The screenplay, penned by Utekar alongside Rishi Virmani and Kaustubh Savarkar, is riddled with hyperbole. Every scene is meticulously designed to glorify Sambhaji’s valor, but in doing so, it robs the character of realism and relatability. His entrance is marked with dramatic chants of “Aaaya hai Sambhaji”, and his heroism is exaggerated to mythical proportions—so much so that in one of the opening scenes, he is seen tearing open the jaw of a CGI lion with his bare hands.
Conversely, the film paints Aurangzeb and his Mughal court in entirely villainous hues, turning them into caricatures rather than fully realized characters. While history remembers Aurangzeb as a ruthless ruler, Chhaava ensures that he and his court are depicted in the darkest possible shades, merely to heighten the Marathas’ heroism.
The dialogues are overly theatrical, making one wonder if historical figures ever engaged in normal conversations. The background score by A.R. Rahman, rather than complementing the film, is relentless and overpowering, adding to the sensory overload.
Vicky Kaushal delivers a physically imposing performance as Sambhaji, effectively embodying the warrior spirit. However, his character is reduced to repetitive war cries and grandstanding, leaving little room for emotional depth.
The supporting cast has its strengths, particularly Ashutosh Rana as Hambirrao and Vineet Singh as Kavi Kalash, but their characters are not fleshed out enough to make a lasting impact. Rashmika Mandanna, as Maharani Yesubai, looks regal but is let down by uninspired dialogue delivery.
The standout performance, ironically, comes from Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb. Enhanced by impressive prosthetics, Khanna delivers a measured and menacing performance that brings much-needed gravitas to the film. His quiet ruthlessness contrasts starkly with the film’s otherwise deafening theatrics, making him the most compelling presence on screen.
A Lost Opportunity for a Great Historical Film
Visually, Chhaava offers stunning cinematography, with earthy tones and some gripping battle sequences, particularly those showcasing Maratha guerrilla warfare. However, its strengths are overshadowed by an overindulgence in action, sound, and exaggerated storytelling.
The film could have been a sophisticated political and military drama exploring the strategic mind games between Aurangzeb and Sambhaji. It could have delved deeper into Sambhaji’s multilingual prowess, his diplomatic strategies, or his intellectual pursuits. Instead, Chhaava takes the easy route of glorifying its protagonist to the point of dehumanization while demonizing its antagonist beyond recognition.
Final Verdict
Chhaava had the potential to be a powerful historical epic but ultimately succumbs to Bollywood’s worst instincts—loud, gory, and painfully overstated. While Vicky Kaushal commands the screen and Akshaye Khanna provides a compelling performance, the film’s lack of nuance, excessive melodrama, and relentless background score make it more exhausting than exhilarating.
