'Chhaava': Bringing Maratha Valor to Cinematic Life
'Chhaava', directed by Laxman Utekar, attempts to bring the legendary tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life. It's an adaptation of Shivaji Sawant's Marathi novel and promises to deliver both action and depth. Vicky Kaushal steps into the shoes of the Maratha king, and his portrayal is nothing short of riveting. With a combination of robust physical presence and emotional depth, Kaushal does justice to the fiery nature of Sambhaji, particularly in scenes where he stands up against the formidable Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, depicted by Akshaye Khanna.
Khanna's version of Aurangzeb is a fascinating one—a blend of cold-blooded cruelty and a deeply complex personality. He's praised for adding layers to a character that could easily come off as one-dimensional. Yet, it's Jolting to see their ideologies collide, igniting the central theme of cultural clashes between the Maratha and Mughal empires.
Intense Climax, Struggles in Pacing
The film's climax doesn't shy away from visual intensity, showcasing the brutal torture of Sambhaji. However, this controversial scene raises eyebrows for crossing into what some have described as 'torture porn'. While it's visually gripping, it has sparked debates about cinematic excess and historical fidelity.
Though Kaushal's grand monologue in the latter part of the film strikes a chord, 'Chhaava' frequently gets bogged down by pacing issues. The first half struggles to find its rhythm, with supporting characters like Rashmika Mandanna's Yesubai overshadowed by the film's spectacle. There's also heavy reliance on visual effects, reminiscent of other historical blockbusters like 'Tanhaji' and 'Bajirao Mastani'.
Reactions are mixed—while trade analyst Taran Adarsh heralds the film as a 'spectacular' 4.5/5 experience, others find fault with its technical aspects and uneven storytelling. Still, Kaushal emerges as the film’s anchor, with many viewing his performance as the saving grace against the backdrop of historical divergence and flamboyant presentation.
