Chhava Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal Delivers a Powerhouse Performance in an Intense Historical Drama

Vicky Kaushal’s latest film, Chhava, has created a stir in the industry with its gripping storyline and intense battle sequences. Directed by Laxman Utekar, this historical drama is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant Maratha warrior and son of Shivaji Maharaj. With a compelling narrative, remarkable performances, and a powerful visual spectacle, Chhava stands out as one of the most anticipated films of 2025.

An intriguing historical drama

Right from the first scene, Chhava immerses the audience in the raw and unfiltered world of 17th-century Hindustan. The film opens with a high-octane battle, in which Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal, leads his Maratha warriors against the Mughal army. The action sequences are extremely intense, setting the tone for the rest of the film. The blood-soaked battles, choreographed with precision, showcase Sambhaji’s unwavering spirit and commitment to Swaraj.

The film focuses heavily on the war, but it also depicts the political turmoil within Sambhaji’s own ranks. Betrayal, conspiracies, and personal conflicts add multiple layers to the narrative, keeping the audience captivated throughout the 161-minute runtime.

Vicky Kaushal’s career-defining role

Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is nothing short of an extraordinary feat. His dedication to the role is evident in every frame, from the powerful war cries to the emotionally charged moments with his family and colleagues. His transformation into the warrior prince is seamless, making it one of his most compelling performances to date.

Audiences and critics have praised Kaushal’s performance, with many calling it his best work since Uri: The Surgical Strike and Sam Bahadur. His ability to balance intensity, emotion, and raw aggression adds authenticity to the character, making Chhava a must-watch for history enthusiasts and action lovers.

Strong supporting cast

Apart from Kaushal, the film has a talented ensemble cast that adds depth to the story. Akshaye Khanna plays a menacing Aurangzeb, whose obsession with crushing the Marathas adds a sinister tension to the plot. His menacing presence and impressive acting make him a formidable antagonist.

Rashmika Mandanna, playing Yesubai, delivers a heart-wrenching performance that adds an emotional core to the film. Although her role is not as prominent as Kaushal’s, she makes a lasting impact in her scenes. Ashutosh Rana and Vineet Singh, playing Sambhaji’s loyal aides, deliver solid performances that add to the emotional depth of the film.

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High-octane action and cinematic brilliance

The film’s biggest strengths are its breathtaking visuals and action sequences. The grand battle scenes, elaborate set design, and impeccable cinematography take the audience back to the Maratha empire. The fight choreography is very poignant, reminiscent of epic war dramas like Baahubali and Padmaavat.

However, the excessive use of violence, especially in the climax, may not appeal to all viewers. The scenes of brutal torture are graphic and disturbing, drawing comparisons to The Passion of the Christ. While these scenes raise the stakes, they also push the limits of the audience’s endurance.

Box office success and audience responses

Despite its intense narrative, Chhava has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both critics and audiences. The film took a strong opening at the box office, earning nearly ₹11 crore on its first day, making it one of Bollywood’s most successful releases of 2025.

Fans took to social media, especially Twitter, to express their appreciation for the film. Many called Kaushal’s performance “career-defining”, while some called the interval sequence “super intense” and the climax “hair-raising”.

Verdict: A brilliant film

Chhava is a cinematic experience that brings history alive with its terrific action, emotional storyline and brilliant acting. Though the film has pacing issues and some over-the-top violence, it is a charming tribute to the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj.

For fans of historical dramas, epic war films and Vicky Kaushal’s acting prowess, Chhava is a film you must watch. With its strong opening at the box office and positive response, it has the potential to become one of Bollywood’s biggest hits of the year.

Chhava Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

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