Chhaava

It is sad to see political activists pandering to hatred and nationalism of the masses by glorifying destruction and chaos in films for the selective rewriting of history of late; Whereas it is pretty evident throughout history whether it was ancient India through the empires or a present day super power, that men regardless of their geography or the time they exist in, have no honor. It would do the viewers everywhere a world of good to understand that narratives of hatred and division never win hearts. Poor are leaders who despite having power, money and influence cannot understand that life's about bringing people together not apart.

I want to ask the makers? Why not choose Ajay Atul instead of a jewel thief Rehman?

Were you deaf when he composed music in electric guitar to raise emotions, romantic scene in piano? Where is the folk Maharashtrian music? Most of the times I felt like I'm watching Braveheart by Mel Gibson.

Climax though conceptualized in best way but not going with facts.

If a person reads Chaava novel, there are myriad facts that are missing.

Director was very careful to keep a secular angle.

Vicky National award fix. Guirella warfare was not properly graphed. Only one who have the read the book would understand the nuances.

Laxman Utekar's Chhaava focuses on the Battle of Burhanpur and its impact on the Maratha-Mughal war, rather than being a complete biopic of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The first half of the film struggles with pacing, but the second half gains momentum, leading to an intense and emotionally charged climax. The confrontation between Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb, particularly the exchange between Vicky Kaushal and Vineet Kumar, stands out as one of the film's most powerful moments. The battle sequences are well-executed, but the background score by A. R. Rahman lacks the necessary intensity to match the spirit of the Marathas. The action scenes are largely effective, though some exaggerated stunts and editing choices take away from the realism. Despite this, the film excels in its cinematography, costume design, and CGI, successfully recreating the historical setting.

The performances elevate the film. Vicky Kaushal delivers a commanding portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj, capturing his strength, determination, and sacrifice, especially in the final moments. Akshaye Khanna leaves a strong impact as Aurangzeb, despite limited dialogue, while Rashmika Mandanna, though competent, feels miscast. Ashutosh Rana provides solid support, and Vineet Kumar stands out with his gripping screen presence. While the film has its shortcomings, it succeeds in honoring Sambhaji Maharaj's legacy, ensuring that his courage and sacrifice remain etched in the minds of the audience.

While the movie is based on the book, the events could have been portrayed with a much better screenplay and some better music. Overall the movie is good but there were many parts that could have been acted well.

Screenplay suffers in many areas before and after interval where it slows down the pace of thw film. Dialogue should have been strong enough and music should have elevated the actions performed by the actors. But Rahman added much of the regular average music to this movie with some romantic music to some songs that is generally given to romantic movie songs.

It was the best opportunity he could have used to come back with equal or greater music composition on par with Jodha Akbar that he gave. But it falls much below average. Directors needed to focus more on editing and screenplay skills. Story telling was quiet good. The movie elevated well from the moment he had to fight and get captured till the very end.

It was directed more like a TV serial budget direction. Movies will need much better skills to make it a perfect cut.

One of the strongest aspects of Chhaava is its screenplay, which balances action with emotion. The dialogues are impactful, filled with the weight of history and the fire of revolution. There are several moments where the intensity of the dialogues alone sends shivers down the spine, particularly in confrontations between Sambhaji Maharaj and his adversaries. The supporting cast deserves a special mention-each character plays a crucial role in shaping the hero's journey. The women in the film, especially the portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj's mother and his wife, add depth to the story, showcasing their influence and resilience in a world dominated by war and politics. The music .

And background score elevate the film's grandeur, making key moments even more unforgettable. The battle sequences are choreographed with precision, striking a fine balance between realism and cinematic spectacle.

. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the brutality of war, yet it never loses sight of the human emotions that drive these conflicts.