Sanchita
Chhaava Movie Review; Vicky Kaushal Gives His Career-Best Performance
Rating: 3.5/5
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna
Director: Laxman Utekar
Storyline:
Chhaava tells the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the courageous Maratha king and the son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
After Shivaji’s death, the responsibility of safeguarding the Maratha kingdom and Swarajya falls on Sambhaji’s shoulders. Determined to uphold his father’s vision, Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) emerges as a fierce and strategic leader.
The film explores Sambhaji’s relentless resistance against the tyrant Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna). Through clever guerrilla warfare tactics and unwavering resolve, Sambhaji proves to be a formidable opponent. The narrative also delves into the political intrigue within the Maratha court, highlighting the betrayals, power struggles, and shifting alliances that test Sambhaji’s leadership.
As the story unfolds, Sambhaji’s loyalty to his kingdom remains unshaken, even after his capture by Aurangzeb’s forces. Despite enduring brutal torture, his spirit stands tall, symbolizing his unwavering dedication to Swarajya.
Rashmika Mandanna portrays Maharani Yesubai, Sambhaji’s steadfast wife, who supports him through the turbulent times. Divya Dutta plays Soyarabai, Sambhaji’s scheming stepmother, whose ambitions add to the internal conflicts within the royal family.
Watch Chhaava in theatres – a gripping tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit of a king who refused to bow, no matter the cost.
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Chhaava Movie Review:
Vicky Kaushal delivers a powerhouse performance in Chhaava, bringing to life the courage, ferocity and the indomitable spirit of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
This is undoubtedly Kaushal’s career-best performance, showcasing his remarkable range as an actor. He skillfully balances raw physicality with emotional depth, embodying the passionate patriotism of a warrior who sacrifices everything for Swarajya. His action sequences are intense and commanding, while his monologues are deeply affecting, with powerful eyes speaking volumes!
As the 2nd half unfolds, Kaushal becomes a fearsome force on screen; showing the sheer brute strength, resilience and resourcefulness of the legendary warrior. The graphic depiction of his capture and torture makes for a rather hard-hitting watch.
It’s a performance that leaves a lasting impact, evoking goosebumps with its sheer intensity. There’s little doubt that awards will follow for Kaushal, as his performance in the climax sequence exudes both fierce rage and the unyielding spirit of a true warrior.
Chhaava excels on the technical front – in terms of costume and set design which is pretty immersive. The background score is electrifying but a more memorable soundtrack could have elevated the film to another level. That being said, Aaya Re Toofan (by A.R Rahman) stands out as an impactful track.
The 1st half suffers from uneven pacing and takes a while to be engrossing but it is redeemed by a gripping and emotionally charged 2nd half. One drawback is the excessive use of slow-motion in the action scenes, which, at times, feels repetitive and could have been better choreographed. That said, the battle sequences work, solely because of the sheer power Vicky exudes.
Chhaava Movie Review:
Rashmika Mandanna is the weak link in Chhaava. While she looks the part of a Maharani and can emote convincingly in the dramatic moments, her South Indian accent is glaringly obvious, distracting from an otherwise sound performance.
Akshaye Khanna strikes a balance between Aurangzeb’s grudging admiration for Sambhaji and his ruthless villainy, but he comes across more like a feeble, resentful Emperor rather than a menacing tyrant. Vineet Kumar Singh stands out from the rest of the cast as Kavi Kalash, providing strong support with his nuanced portrayal. Veteran actor Ashutosh Rana is stellar as always, though his role feels underwritten.
Diana Penty is largely underutilized in the first half, with barely a word to say. However, she makes her presence felt in key moments in the 2nd half as the vindictive daughter of the Emperor.
Overall, Chhaava is a fitting tribute to the legendary Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his devotion to Swarajya. Let’s hope Chhaava catapults Vicky to new heights. We’ve always known he’s a talented actor, but this performance radiates true Superstar charisma.
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