O Filho do Rei

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.

Watched the big historical action release of Maddock CHAAVA directed by Laxman Utekar. The film stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead as Chatrapati Sambhaji and Akshaye Khanna as the ruthless Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the film focusses on their clash.

Sambhaji as an important historical character of Maharashtra and there are various shades and different topics discussed and debated on him. However his battle with the Mughal army and torcher and finally execution under orders of hardliner Aurangzeb is discussed lot.

The film is supposed to be based on Shivaji Sawants popular novel Chaava and doesn't cover other aspects of Sambhaji's life,which we read in childhood in Amar Chitra Katha.

The film is a big budget actioner based on history and has lots of dramatic sequences. The film's treatment of the subject is very clear and characters are either pure white or pure black. The film though based on real incidents also involves lot of larger than life frames and fiction too. To be honest I felt the writers and makers haven't been able to make the film very gripping. The film starts well and then loses pace and then picks up and then loses and so on. There is lot of action but barring the final battle ,I found the other fights quite unreal with loads of VFX. There are some scenes which are impactful and especially Vikki vs Akshaye get maximum attention.

The film has huge hangover of Bajirao Mast Ani,Padmavati,Tanaji and Jodha Akbar but is not close to either of them in terms of impact and emotional feel. The pre climax of extreme violence and torcher though from history but was very uncomfortable to watch on big screen.

Of the performances Ashutosh Rana and Vineet Singh leave a mark. Rashmika I felt was totally out of place. Akshaye Khanna as the uni dimensional maniac monarch Aurangzeb was menacing. Though he doesn't have much dialogues but his look as the old Alamgir makes him the big bad villain. The film belongs to Vikki Kaushal who again pumps life in a real character after Sardar Udham Singh and Sam Bahadur. He has worked hard on the film and honestly it's his hard work which lifts the film of the negative points.

On the whole Chaava tries hard to be a patriotic historical actioner but works only in parts.

The cinematography in this movie is nothing short of spectacular.

. Art direction is superb.

. Every frame feels like a painting, with beautifully composed shots that highlight the grandeur of the Maratha Empire. Whether it's the vast expanse of a battlefield, the golden hues of a sunset over a fort, or the intricate detailing of a palace, the visuals transport the audience back in time. The use of lighting, especially in dramatic sequences, adds a poetic quality to the storytelling, making key moments even more impactful.

. Actors have performed well. Storytelling by the director is also engaging even with the limitations as per the biopic of such a legend which ends brutally as of betrayal.

. But at someplaces background music is too loud like other grand movies since the last two years in an influence of south indian commercial works!

Moreover, at many places the action movements took a complete opposite side from- laws of physics. Again like south indian movies.

. It focuses on pride, family, a son, a king, a selfless devotee & a warrior with extreme physical strength.

Best movie of this year yet.

So I suggest to everyone to watch this to know the history of forgotten heroes.

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.

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.