The Indian film industry has recently unveiled 'Chhaava', a historical epic that delves into the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant Maratha warrior king. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, the movie has garnered significant attention for its portrayal of one of India's revered historical figures.
Box Office Performance of Chhaava
'Chhaava' has captivated audiences with its impressive box office performance, setting new benchmarks for historical dramas in Bollywood. As of 27 February 2025, the film has grossed ₹320 crore domestically and ₹150 crore internationally, amassing a worldwide total of ₹470 crore. The film had a strong opening day, particularly in Maharashtra, grossing ₹25 crore in India. It collected ₹120 crore worldwide in its opening weekend, surpassing director Laxman Utekar's previous film 'Luka Chuppi', which earned ₹100 crore. On 19 February 2025, 'Chhaava' earned ₹35 crore, becoming the ninth fastest Hindi film to reach the ₹200 crore club and setting a record for the highest collection on a first Wednesday. In its first week, the film crossed the ₹250 crore mark in India. By the second Saturday, it earned ₹280 crore. The film entered the ₹300 crore club in its second weekend and crossed ₹450 crore globally.
Cast and Crew of Chhaava
The film boasts a stellar ensemble:
Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale, Sambhaji's wife
Akshaye Khanna as Emperor Aurangzeb
Ashutosh Rana as Sarsenapati Hambirao Mohite
Divya Dutta as Soyarabai
Neil Bhoopalam in a pivotal role
Directed by Laxman Utekar, the screenplay is a collaborative effort involving Rishi Virmani, Kaustubh Savarkar, Unman Bankar, and Omkar Mahajan. The film's music is composed by the Oscar-winning A. R. Rahman, with cinematography by Saurabh Goswami and editing done by Manish Pradhan.
Production Insights
Pre-production for 'Chhaava' began in April 2023, with principal photography commencing in October 2023 and concluding in May 2024. The production team embarked on extensive research, traveling to historical towns such as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Ratnagiri, Pune, Nashik, and Paithan to authentically recreate the 17th-century Maratha era. To bring authenticity to Yesubai’s character, costume designer Sheetal Sharma meticulously curated traditional Paithani sarees, reviving intricate 500-year-old borders to reflect the grandeur of Maratha royalty. Vicky Kaushal's portrayal of Sambhaji was meticulously crafted, with his war armor weighing approximately 17–18 kg. The team also recreated the sword Bhavani, drawing references from museums in London to ensure historical accuracy.
Audience Reception
The Hindu audience's reaction to 'Chhaava' has been a mix of admiration and critique. Many viewers have praised the film for bringing the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to the silver screen, appreciating the performances and the grandeur of the production. However, some have expressed concerns over historical inaccuracies. Critics and fans alike have pointed out discrepancies in the portrayal of events and characters, emphasizing the importance of staying true to historical facts when depicting revered figures.
Critical Reception
Critics have lauded 'Chhaava' for its ambitious storytelling, stellar performances, and high production values. Vicky Kaushal's portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj has been particularly praised for its depth and intensity. Rashmika Mandanna's performance as Yesubai has also garnered positive reviews, with critics noting her strong screen presence. Akshaye Khanna's depiction of Aurangzeb adds a compelling layer to the narrative, bringing complexity to the antagonist's role.
However, the film has faced criticism for certain historical inaccuracies and creative liberties taken in the storytelling. Some historians and purists believe that these deviations may mislead audiences about the true events of the era. Additionally, while A. R. Rahman's soundtrack has been appreciated for its musicality, some critics feel that the contemporary sound may not align seamlessly with the film's historical setting.
Conclusion
'Chhaava' stands as a significant cinematic endeavor, shedding light on the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. While it has achieved commercial success and captivated audiences with its performances and production scale, the discussions around its historical accuracy highlight the challenges filmmakers face when balancing artistic expression with factual representation. Nevertheless, 'Chhaava' contributes to the ongoing dialogue about India's rich history and the figures who shaped it.