An angry aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna) hears a lengthy diatribe from a blood-soaked Chhaava (Vicky Kaushal) who is chained up. 'Maza nahi aaya' (I did not enjoy) is the cheeky response from the Mughal emperor. His response essentially encapsulated the experience of viewing the two-hour, forty-minute play that was based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje.
 
The purpose of Chhaava is well-placed; it aims to highlight the life of Sambhaji Raje, a historical person who we learn about in our textbooks but whose legacy was always eclipsed by that of his father, Chhatrapati shivaji Raje. It is thrilling for someone who was raised in the shadow of a warrior and a king to watch his ascent, decline, and struggles as a prince and a king.

Although director Laxman Utekar sets out on this extremely ambitious voyage with sincere intentions, the picture lacks an emotional connection. We begin with a lengthy, tedious opening sequence of Chhaava that is so well-choreographed that it seems to attempt to mimic Gerard Butler's now-plagiarized-by-everything scenes from the classic movie 300, including the slow-motion shots of his blood-dripping eyes, close-ups of his fiery eyes, and, of course, numerous sword fights and hand-to-hand combat. You understand?
 
Fortunately, a slightly shady and disorganized first half is given direction by the second half, which also picks up speed. In addition to using a prosthesis to resemble the part, Akshaye Khanna, who plays aurangzeb, has gone to great lengths to act primarily with his kohl-lined eyes.
 
His eyes and gait compensate for the exchanges on paper, even though he says less as Aurangzeb. Despite her best efforts, rashmika mandanna is unable to do more than display her "expressive eyes" because of the sudden character arc. There is a problem with Chhaava's execution. The combat scenes, deaths, and catching up with various individuals become taxing due to the story's excessive timeline skipping and abrupt back and forth.
 
Additionally, the background music is so loud that it overpowers the emotions the characters are attempting to convey in the picture. The songs don't stick with you or make you choose a melody that reflects Chhaava's hardship. Instead than investing in his agony, you become sidetracked by the gimmicks around his conflict.
 
The events and conversations may appear straightforward on paper, but they are enmeshed in their own device's web on screen. But there is hope for Chhaava. The speed and tone are raised by a few powerful scenes and moments. All of this is made possible by Vicky Kaushal's genuineness and will to bring this real-life fighter, whose story is told in many versions and testaments, to life.
 
Overall, It's Worth A watch For Vicky's Earnest Performance On OTT
 
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Chhaava

G GOWTHAM

14/02/2025 09:53 AM