Chhaava Film Review: A Royal Roar of Valor – Vicky Kaushal Triumphs as the Tiger of the Deccan

🤣😡😒😜😐 (2.5/5)

Let’s dive into the film that seems to be the love child of a history textbook and a Bollywood drama, shall we? Review Rani is here to spill the tea on "Chhaava," the latest attempt by Bollywood to rewrite history with a dash of unnecessary song and dance.

Once upon a time, there was a mighty king called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, ruler of the undefeated Maratha empire. His death brought temporary relief to the Mughals, who were probably throwing a party, thinking they had finally gotten rid of their biggest headache. But wait! Enter Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Shivaji’s son, who was all set to keep the migraine going.

"Chhaava" is supposedly based on Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel, but honestly, it feels more like it’s based on a B-grade Bollywood script. The film attempts to shed some light on the untold story of Sambhaji (played by Vicky Kaushal), who, according to the film, was more than just a son trying to fill his father’s shoes. He was a brave warrior, a leader, and a constant pain in the posterior for the Mughals.

The film starts with a bang, or rather, a slow-motion entry of Sambhaji that could give any Bollywood hero a run for his money. But then, it takes a nosedive into a pit of predictability. Director Laxman Utekar seems to have mistaken the movie for a music video, letting AR Rahman’s music take the center stage instead of the actual story. Rahman’s "Aaya re toofan" with its traditional Maharashtrian Nashik Dhol Tasha is a foot-tapping number, but the rest of the songs feel as out of place as a penguin in a desert.

The second half of the film is where things start to get interesting, with the pace picking up and emotions running high. The climax sees Sambhaji taking on the Mughals single-handedly, and it’s here that Vicky Kaushal shines. He embodies the spirit of Sambhaji, giving a performance that’s so raw and powerful, it almost makes you forget about the lackluster first half of the film.

The rest of the cast, however, is a mixed bag. Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb delivers some punchy one-liners but is weighed down by heavy makeup and prosthetics. Vineet Kumar Singh as Kavi Kalash does a commendable job, providing some of the best scenes in the movie. As for the women, Divya Dutta as Maharani Soyarabai stands out with her powerful performance, while Diana Penty… well, let’s just say her stone-faced acting is more distracting than the over-the-top costumes.

Rani’s Wrap-Up: "Chhaava" is a historical drama that could have been so much more. Its saving grace is Vicky Kaushal’s ferocious performance and the gripping climax. If only the makers had focused more on the story of Sambhaji’s bravery and less on trying to create a music album, we could have had a film that was worthy of the Maratha warrior’s legacy. But as it stands, "Chhaava" is just another Bollywood film that tries to rewrite history with a side of song and dance. So, if you’re a history buff or a Vicky Kaushal fan, go for it. Otherwise, you might want to give this one a miss. 🙄😂