Laxman Utekar's Chhaava, based on Shivaji Sawant's novel, attempts to bring the lesser-known story of Sambhaji Maharaj to the big screen. While Vicky Kaushal's compelling portrayal of Sambhaji is the film's saving grace, the 161-minute saga struggles to balance historical reverence with cinematic appeal.

Kaushal fully immerses himself in the titular role, exuding intensity as the brave son of Shivaji Maharaj. The camera rarely strays from his blood-soaked battles, showing gruesome visuals of severed heads and limbs in excruciating detail. This relentless violence sets the tone for the film, reflecting Sambhaji's constant fight against Mughal invasions led by a scheming Aurangzeb, played by Akshaye Khanna. Despite the prosthetics and effort, Khanna's portrayal often veers into caricature, losing its edge as the plot unfolds.

Rashmika Mandanna brings tenderness to the narrative as Sambhaji's steadfast wife, but her role feels limited to offering emotional support. Meanwhile, Divya Dutta as the treacherous stepmother, Ashutosh Rana as the loyal uncle, and Vineet Singh as Sambhaji's poet-friend deliver solid performances, adding depth to the story.

The film's portrayal of Mughals leans heavily into current narratives, painting Aurangzeb as an evil conqueror while portraying Sambhaji as an indomitable force for “swaraj.” However, attempts at nuance, such as depicting Akbar as less ruthless, feel tokenistic.

The excessive gore, especially in the torture sequences supervised by Aurangzeb's daughter (Diana Penty), draws parallels to The Passion of the Christ, making the climax an exhausting experience. Ultimately, Chhaava feels like a missed opportunity, with its strong performances overshadowed by overindulgence in violence and a lack of balance.