Chhaava

Chhaava: The Untold Story of Sambhaji Maharaj

Have you ever wondered about the lesser-known chapters in history? Chhaava (2025), an Indian Hindi-language historical action film, brings to life one such chapter. Directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj, this movie is a thrilling journey through the life of the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.

Pre-production and Cast

Before the cameras even started rolling, the groundwork for Chhaava was laid. In April 2023, pre-production began, setting the stage for what would become a cinematic masterpiece. Laxman Utekar, known for his compelling storytelling, discussed the project with Vicky Kaushal during the shoot of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023). The film was officially announced on 3 October 2023, marking the beginning of an exciting journey.

Production and Research

The team behind Chhaava didn’t just want to tell a story; they wanted to bring history to life. Utekar and his crew spent a year researching the 17th-century Maratha era, visiting historical towns like Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Ratnagiri, Pune, Nashik, and Paithan. Sheetal Sharma, the costume designer, sourced authentic Paithani sarees and restored 500-year-old borders for Rashmika Mandanna’s character, Yesubai.

Principal Photography

Principal photography started in October 2023 after completing the script. By August 2023, Santosh Juvekar had joined the cast as Ganoji Shirke, and by October, Marathi actor Ashutosh Rana was on board as Hambirrao Mohite. Akshaye Khanna took over the role of Aurangzeb in December 2023, while Diana Penty joined as Zinat-un-Nissa Begum. The film’s visual effects were handled by Assemblage Entertainment and ReDefine, with Ajay Devgn providing a voiceover.

Release and Box Office

The trailer was released on January 22, 2025, and the film was initially set to release on December 6, 2024. However, it was postponed to February 14, 2025, for a simultaneous release in Russia and declared tax-free in Madhya Pradesh and Goa. By the second Saturday, Chhaava had earned ₹44 crore, entering the ₹300 crore club in its second weekend and crossing ₹400 crore globally. On March 11, 2025, it reached ₹516.8 crore, making it the sixth highest-grossing Hindi film.

Critical Response

While Chhaava received a mixed response from critics, there were some standout elements. Vicky Kaushal’s performance and the action sequences were praised, but storytelling and historical inaccuracies faced criticism. Pratikshya Mishra gave it 2.5 stars, saying the film didn’t take a brave stance. Tushar Joshi noted that the film mastered mainstream waters without completely drowning. Rahul Desai observed that the film was scared and blinded by its own reflection. Anuj Kumar highlighted the struggle to balance history and nationalist sentiment.

Controversy

The film’s release wasn’t without controversy. Dinesh Vijan received a threatened lawsuit over alleged historical inaccuracies, highlighting the tension between artistic freedom and historical integrity. The CBFC requested an audio-text disclaimer for scenes featuring Maharashtrian historical figures.

Chhaava (2025) is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Sambhaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire. As we watch Vicky Kaushal bring this historical figure to life, we’re reminded that every story has its untold chapters waiting to be discovered. Chhaava not only entertains but also educates, making it a must-watch for history buffs and action enthusiasts alike.