After a long gap, Bollywood has finally delivered a potential blockbuster that stirs emotions, ignites fierce national pride, and reclaims a crucial chapter of Indian history. Vicky Kaushal delivers a sterling, high-octane performance in Chhaava (Lion’s Cub), embodying the valiant Sambhaji with remarkable intensity.
In recent years, historical films have done what textbooks and historians often failed to—present historical facts with nuance and perspective. Centuries of subjugation, first by the Mughals and later by the British, fragmented India’s national psyche. Now, films like Chhaava offer a sense of healing. Of course, box office pressures mean creative liberties are inevitable, but the film largely stays true to the essence of history.
The story unfolds with the news of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s death reaching Aurangzeb. His advisors predict the imminent collapse of the Maratha resistance. While Aurangzeb acknowledges the loss of a formidable opponent, he orders celebrations, assuming the struggle has ended. But power has already passed to Shivaji’s son, Sambhaji. In retaliation, the Marathas launch a fierce assault on Burhanpur, a key Mughal administrative and commercial hub. The Mughals, caught off guard, are overwhelmed by the onslaught.
In a gripping sequence, Sambhaji falls into a pit and comes face to face with a lion. With his bare hands, he slays the beast—an act that cements his legendary status. The Marathas also seize the Mughal treasury, striking a major blow to the empire’s authority.
When reports reach Delhi, Aurangzeb realises that far from being weakened, the Maratha resistance has grown even more formidable. He mobilises his vast army and heads south, determined to crush them. But the Deccan’s treacherous terrain and Sambhaji’s guerrilla tactics wreak havoc on the Mughal forces. Meanwhile, internal factionalism among the Marathas and Mughal Prince Mirza Akbar’s bid to rebel against Aurangzeb add further layers to the conflict.
Despite his strategic brilliance, Sambhaji is eventually betrayed by his own kinsmen. His location is leaked, leading to an ambush. Captured by the Mughals, he is subjected to brutal third-degree torture but refuses to compromise his ideals. His trusted advisor, Kavi Kalash, is executed before him. Even in his final moments, Sambhaji remains defiant, rejecting Aurangzeb’s offer to switch sides.
Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji’s final moments is breathtaking. His raw intensity and unwavering spirit leave audiences teary-eyed. The tragic yet inspiring end of Sambhaji foreshadows what comes next—the Marathas eventually triumph, and within three decades, the once-mighty Mughal Empire crumbles, paving the way for Swarajya.
One of the recurring themes in Indian history is how internal betrayals enabled foreign subjugation. Sambhaji’s capture is yet another example of palace intrigue and treachery, with devastating consequences.
A Director’s Journey: Laxman Utekar’s Rise from the Streets to the Silver Screen
Director Laxman Utekar deserves immense credit for bringing this historical saga to life. His journey is just as compelling as the stories he tells. Losing his parents at a young age, Utekar left his village and moved to Mumbai, where he sold vada pav near Shivaji Park to survive. One day, municipal officers seized his food cart—a moment that became a turning point in his life.
A chance encounter with an ad for a peon’s job at an editing studio led him to the film industry. He started from the bottom, gradually mastering camera operations. His big break came when he was given the opportunity to shoot a promotional video, which led to his first major video shoot in Rajasthan.
Utekar has since built an impressive portfolio, contributing to hits like Blue, English Vinglish, Dear Zindagi, Hindi Medium, and 102 Not Out. He also directed Marathi films Tapaal and Lalbaugchi Rani. His Hindi directorial debut, Luka Chuppi, explored live-in relationships and grossed ₹128.86 crore, cementing his place in the industry.
With Chhaava, Utekar has taken his craft to another level, delivering a film that is bound to be remembered as one of his finest works.
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🌟Sridhar Subramaniam reviews #Chhaava, a Bollywood blockbuster starring @vickykaushal09 as #Sambhaji. 🎥 The film captures #Maratha valour & #Mughal conflict, blending history with emotion. 💬 Dive into this #cinematic triumph! 🌟 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/NloleFJhXB
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) February 26, 2025
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