Vicky Kaushal
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Overview
Shivaji's death sparks the Maratha-Mughal conflict. His son Sambhaji leads resistance against Aurangzeb's forces. Amid battles and intrigue, both sides face challenges in a struggle for power.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Crown, the Blade, and the Blood Between Them
I’ve seen enough historical epics to know the drill: a king rises, a kingdom trembles, the camera lingers on a slow-motion sword swing before cutting to a close-up of a furrowed brow. Chhaava doesn’t break that mold—it pours molten gold into it. Laxman Utekar’s film is a sprawling, often brutal meditation on power, legacy, and the cost of defiance, one that dares to ask: What does it mean to inherit a revolution when the world expects you to be a saint, not a man?
The film opens with the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a moment so weighted with grief it feels like the air itself has thickened. His son Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) is left to navigate a court rife with scheming relatives, a Mughal emperor who sees the Maratha kingdom as his personal chessboard, and a people who expect him to be as infallible as his father. Kaushal’s performance is a tightrope walk—equal parts swagger and vulnerability, a man who drinks too much, laughs too loud, and carries the weight of a crown he never asked for.
There’s a scene early on where Sambhaji, drunk and disheveled, stumbles into his chambers only to find his father’s empty throne. He reaches out, fingers brushing the armrest, and for a heartbeat, you see the boy beneath the armor. It’s the kind of quiet moment that makes the later brutality land harder.
Utekar’s direction is at its strongest when it lets the silence speak. The battle sequences are grand, yes—horses charging, arrows darkening the sky, the kind of spectacle that makes you lean forward in your seat—but it’s the lulls between the violence that linger. A conversation between Sambhaji and his wife Yesubai (Rashmika Mandanna) in the dead of night, lit only by a single oil lamp, crackles with unspoken fear.
Mandanna, often relegated to the sidelines in Bollywood’s male-driven epics, makes the most of her limited screen time, her eyes betraying a quiet steel beneath the expected wifely concern. (It’s a shame the script doesn’t give her more to do—she’s one of the few who feels like a person, not a prop.)
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.5/10
"A gripping historical epic with powerful performances but uneven pacing and emotional depth."
Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj earns widespread praise for its intensity and authenticity, making the historical drama compelling. The film’s battle sequences and visual grandeur are frequently highlighted as standout elements. latestnetflix.com's view is that however, some find the narrative drags in places, and the emotional core feels underdeveloped compared to its action-driven moments.
What viewers praise
- Vicky Kaushal’s performance Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji is widely praised for its raw energy and emotional depth.
- Spectacular battle scenes The action sequences and war scenes are visually stunning and immersive.
- Historical authenticity The film’s attention to historical detail and period accuracy resonates with viewers.
- Strong supporting cast Akshaye Khanna and Ashutosh Rana deliver memorable performances that elevate key scenes.
- Cinematic grandeur The film’s visual scale and production design are frequently highlighted as impressive.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing Some viewers feel the film drags in the middle, slowing down the momentum.
- Underdeveloped relationships Key character dynamics, including Sambhaji’s personal struggles, lack emotional depth for some.
- Predictable plot points The narrative follows familiar historical drama tropes, reducing surprise for some.
- Rashmika Mandanna’s role A few viewers feel her character is underutilized and lacks impact.
Recommended for
Historical epic enthusiasts Vicky Kaushal fans Period drama lovers Action and war film fans Indian history buffs
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsVicky Kaushal’s Chhaava Faces Backlash Over Historical Accuracy and Creative Choices
Vicky Kaushal’s upcoming historical epic Chhaava has become one of Bollywood’s most talked-about projects—not just for its star power, but for the controversies swirling around its portrayal of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the film is set for a Valentine’s Day 2025 release, but its journey to theaters has been anything but smooth 
.
A Battle Over History and Creative Liberty
Chhaava is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, and draws from Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel Chhava . However, the film has faced criticism from politicians and historians who argue that it takes liberties with historical facts. The controversy has sparked debates about the balance between creative freedom and historical accuracy in Indian cinema .
The backlash intensified when a dance sequence featuring Kaushal performing the Lezim—a traditional Maharashtrian folk dance—was deemed inappropriate for a film about a revered warrior king. Facing pressure, director Laxman Utekar decided to remove the scene entirely . The decision highlights the challenges filmmakers face when adapting historical figures, especially those held in high regard by regional communities.
Cast and Production Under Scrutiny
Starring alongside Kaushal are Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta, among others . While the ensemble cast has generated excitement, the film’s narrative choices have overshadowed its star power. Some critics argue that Chhaava risks misrepresenting Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy, a concern that has led to calls for greater sensitivity in historical dramas .
Utekar, known for his work in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, has defended the film’s creative vision, but the controversy has raised questions about whether Bollywood is equipped to handle historical subjects without sparking outrage . The film’s producers have yet to issue a formal response to the backlash, leaving fans and critics alike waiting for more clarity.
**What’s Next for Chhaava?**
With its release just months away, Chhaava remains a high-stakes project. The film’s trailer and promotional material will likely be scrutinized for any further deviations from historical accounts. If the controversy persists, it could impact the film’s box-office prospects, especially in Maharashtra, where Sambhaji Maharaj is a cultural icon.
For now, Chhaava stands as a cautionary tale about the fine line between artistic interpretation and historical responsibility. Whether it will redeem itself with audiences—or become another Bollywood historical drama mired in controversy—remains to be seen.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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