Movie 🎥 Chhaava – A Grand Historical Epic with Uncomfortable Truths

Rating: 4.5/5

Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava sets out to depict the turbulent life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, and a warrior who refused to bow before the Mughal Empire. While the film excels in its grand visual presentation, rich color palette, and stellar performances, it does not shy away from showing the brutal reality of history—a reality that some sections of the radical left might find unsettling due to its direct portrayal of Islamic oppression over Hindu warriors.

Choreography and Battle Sequences

The battle sequences in Chhaava are intense and intricately choreographed, vividly bringing the Maratha resistance to life. Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji Maharaj embodies the strength and unwavering spirit of a leader who fought against Aurangzeb’s tyranny. The film effectively showcases the Maratha empire's guerrilla warfare tactics and their sheer resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

However, the climax, which depicts the inhumane torture inflicted upon Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb’s forces, is deeply disturbing. The film does not hold back in showing the gruesome details of his execution—his eyes gouged out, his tongue cut, and his body mutilated for weeks before his eventual death. This mirrors historical accounts of the barbaric treatment meted out to Hindu warriors who refused to convert to Islam. The scene is reminiscent of The Passion of the Christ in its graphic realism, forcing viewers to confront a history often diluted or erased in modern discourse.

Color Palette and Cinematography

Visually, Chhaava is stunning. The film uses a rich, earthy color palette to contrast the grandeur of the Maratha court with the dark, oppressive atmosphere of Aurangzeb’s regime. Warm golden hues highlight the pride and legacy of the Marathas, while deep shadows and muted tones depict the horrors of Mughal captivity. The cinematography plays a crucial role in reinforcing the themes of resistance and sacrifice, making every frame feel like a painting from history.

The Fear of Islamophobia and the Whitewashing of History

One of the most controversial aspects of Chhaava is its unapologetic portrayal of Islamic tyranny during Aurangzeb’s reign. Modern leftist intellectuals and Bollywood filmmakers often hesitate to depict this period honestly, fearing accusations of Islamophobia. However, history cannot be ignored. Aurangzeb was responsible for the destruction of thousands of Hindu temples, forced conversions, and brutal executions of those who resisted his rule. Sambhaji Maharaj’s execution is one of the most painful examples of this cruelty, and Chhaava refuses to whitewash it.

There is a growing trend in Bollywood to depict historical invaders in a more sympathetic light while vilifying Hindu rulers. Films like Padmaavat softened Alauddin Khilji’s character, whereas Tanhaji and now Chhaava stand as exceptions, boldly narrating history as it was. This film challenges the selective outrage of those who cry foul at even a hint of "Hindutva propaganda" while conveniently ignoring centuries of real oppression.

Performances

Vicky Kaushal delivers a stellar performance, capturing both the fiery rebellion and the emotional depth of Sambhaji Maharaj. His physicality and dialogue delivery make the character truly come alive. Akshaye Khanna, as Aurangzeb, brings an unsettling calmness to the character, making him all the more menacing. His portrayal reinforces the historical reality of an emperor obsessed with enforcing his religious ideology, no matter the human cost.

Final Verdict

Chhaava is not just a film; it is a necessary retelling of history. It forces the audience to acknowledge the brutality faced by Hindu warriors at the hands of Islamic invaders. While some may find its unfiltered depiction of torture unsettling, and others may fear that it stirs communal tensions, truth must never be sacrificed for political correctness.

For those who love historical epics and wish to see a story of resistance, sacrifice, and heroism told with cinematic brilliance, Chhaava is a must-watch. This is not just the story of a warrior; it is the story of a civilization that refused to be erased.