Chhaava (2025) Movie ft. Akshaye and Rashmika
Chhaava stands as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, earning an impressive ₹783-807 crore worldwide. This historical drama directed by Laxman Utekar brings to life the legendary tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, with Vicky Kaushal delivering a powerhouse performance in the titular role.
Plot and Storyline
Chhaava chronicles the life and struggles of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The narrative delves deep into Sambhaji’s reign and his battles against the Mughal Empire.
The screenplay effectively captures the essence of Sambhaji’s character – a warrior who was both feared by his enemies and revered by his subjects. The story unfolds through multiple layers, showcasing his relationships with his family and his unwavering commitment to protecting his kingdom.
Vicky Kaushal’s Powerhouse Performance
Vicky Kaushal’s performance as Sambhaji Maharaj has been widely acclaimed for its power and authenticity. As the poster boy of the film, Vicky Kaushal did complete justice to his role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in this epic film.
I found his transformation completely convincing – from his dialogue delivery in Marathi to his physical presence in battle sequences. His performance ranges from intimate family moments to thunderous war cries, showcasing remarkable versatility as an actor.
Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai
Rashmika Mandanna plays the role of Maharani Yesubai, bringing unique intensity and grace to the screen. Director Laxman Utekar revealed that even before writing the script in 2021, he envisioned this film with Vicky and Rashmika.
Her portrayal showcases the strength and dignity of a Maratha queen, balancing her roles as a devoted wife and a strong woman. Mandanna successfully brings emotional depth to her character in scenes exploring the personal cost of being married to a warrior king.
Direction and Visual Spectacle
Director Laxman Utekar has masterfully upped the ante in this terrific historical drama, delivering an epic that aims at the masses. The film is celebrated for its intricate battle sequences and detailed costumes, showcasing remarkable attention to detail.
Chhaava is acclaimed for its grand scale and historical authenticity, with production values that transport viewers to 17th-century Maharashtra. The costume design deserves special mention for its accuracy, from royal attire to military uniforms of the era.
Technical Aspects and Music
While the film faces criticism for inconsistent pacing and weak music, the overall technical execution remains strong. The background score effectively complements dramatic moments, though the soundtrack might not leave a lasting impression.
The editing maintains good flow throughout most scenes, though some reviewers noted pacing issues in certain segments. The sound design during battle sequences creates an immersive experience that enhances the overall impact.
Critical Reception and Reviews
The film received mixed reviews from critics and drew controversy for its historical inaccuracies, though it found significant commercial success. The film currently holds a 7.3 rating on IMDb, indicating generally positive audience reception.
Many reviewers suggest that Chhaava is a great film best experienced in theaters, with minor mistakes that can be easily ignored. Several viewers believe the film could have reached even deeper emotional levels while commending the intense emotional content.
What I Liked About the Film
I was particularly impressed by Vicky Kaushal’s transformative performance, which stands out as the film’s greatest strength. His commitment to the role is evident in every scene, from commanding presence in battles to vulnerable moments in personal interactions.
The production values deserve significant praise, particularly the costume design and set decoration that create an authentic historical atmosphere. The attention to detail in recreating 17th-century Maharashtra is remarkable.
Areas That Could Be Better
In my opinion, the inconsistent pacing is the film’s biggest weakness, with some segments feeling rushed while others drag unnecessarily. A tighter edit could have enhanced the overall viewing experience.
The weak music is another area where the film falls short of expectations. For a historical epic of this scale, a more memorable soundtrack could have elevated the emotional resonance of key scenes.
Box Office Success
Commercially, Chhaava has earned ₹783-807 crore to rank as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. The film has become Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna’s highest-grossing movie.
The epic historical saga continues its unstoppable run at the box office, grossing $94 million globally. This commercial success validates the audience’s appetite for well-made historical dramas.
Final Verdict
For lovers of historical epics, Chhaava is definitely one of the best watches, despite its flaws. The film succeeds in bringing an important chapter of Maratha history to the big screen with impressive scale.
I believe Chhaava is an epic historical drama that delivers where it matters most. The combination of Vicky Kaushal’s powerful performance, grand production values, and compelling historical subject matter makes it significant cinema.
