source - https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/movies-vicky-kaushals-chhava-may-drop-song-as-critics-argue-sambhaji-maharaj-wouldnt-perform-folk-dance-lezim

Not a FILM

This is not a film only. This is a lifetime relived with a sincere and honest effort by everyone in the team.

I have always believed that the greatest turning points in our history are shaped by those we have seen walking among us—the giants of the Sahyadri. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not just a ruler; he was life itself, a force of sheer will and vision. Every time we revisit his journey, we live through it. It is overwhelming to grasp that this mammoth of a man was alive just before our time, altering the course of history with his unwavering courage and relentless pursuit of Swarajya. His passion and commitment did not end with him; they transcended into his son, giving history its fierce cub—Chaava.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s life and his dedication to Swarajya need no validation. Volumes have been written, debated, and immortalized in literature, yet none can truly capture the magnitude of his contributions. This, however, is not a discussion on his legacy. This is about Chaava—Laxman Utekar’s vision brought to the screen.

source https://www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/products/ithe-oshalala-mrutyu

My earliest memories of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj come from Vasant Kanetkar’s Marathi play, a powerful narrative that shaped my understanding of this history. My father took me to watch Prabhakar Panshikar perform as Aurangzeb, a portrayal so striking that it lingers in my mind to this day. The play did more than recount history; it left me questioning the moral complexities of passion and revenge. One man committed to a vision, another consumed by vengeance—what followed was not just history, but an emotional and philosophical storm.

source - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11980343

Then came the cinematic experience of Chaava. The first few minutes set the tone with an earnest yet profound disclaimer, followed by a gripping introduction of Aurangzeb. Akshaye Khanna’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety; his silent yet powerful presence commands attention. And then, the moment arrives—Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj entering Burhanpur. If you have read Shivaji Sawant’s Chhava, you will feel as though you are flipping through its pages.

The film’s use of VFX is thoughtful, enhancing the narrative without overwhelming it. The dream sequences are poetic, offering a glimpse into the untold, unseen, and unheard emotions of a king who lived solely to carry forward his father’s vision. His words about his parents strike deep—if your eyes remain dry, then perhaps I don’t know what will move you. Vicky Kaushal embodies Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with such conviction that it feels as though history itself breathes through him. He doesn’t just play the role; he becomes it.

source - https://www.filmibeat.com/photo-gallery/chhavva-movie-stils-on-set-pictures-poster-stills-95504.html#photos-4

Utekar’s direction is ambitious, and despite the constraints of time, he masterfully navigates the story, avoiding unnecessary diversions. The screenplay flows seamlessly, with no forced humor or redundant narration. While the background score could have been approached differently, the film’s songs are placed with precision. The decision to exclude a dance number from the final cut was a commendable one—restraint is a mark of true storytelling.

source - https://www.filmibeat.com/photo-gallery/chhavva-movie-stils-on-set-pictures-poster-stills-95504.html#photos-10

source - https://www.filmibeat.com/photo-gallery/chhavva-movie-stils-on-set-pictures-poster-stills-95504.html#photos-2

The details on costumes, set design, and aesthetic light design are a strong point of the film. The cinematography, especially in the second half, was engaging. Another master stroke by the director is the support cast of the film. They add a lot of weight to every frame in the film, and they equally live the film with the director. The music surprisingly only at a few times leaves a mark, or maybe I can say, the act is so impactful that the music is taken care of already.

Then comes the interval, a pivotal moment that shifts the emotional weight of the film. The last 40 minutes are not just a viewing experience; they are a trial of the heart. You sit there, gripped, unable to move, as the final moments unfold. And when his soul ascends, when his mother recognizes him, the screen fades to black. Silence. Emptiness.

I hope we make our stories from history with this responsibility and precision, and not just a storyboard of incidences. The captain needs to be applauded for this mammoth task with phenomenal and exceptional work.

source - https://www.filmibeat.com/photo-gallery/chhaava-cast-and-crew-salaries-revealed-100717.html

What are we left with? I don’t know.

One must seek that answer for themselves.

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