“Chaava” is a 2025 historical epic directed by Laxman Utekar, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, alongside Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna Bollywood Hungama. Released in February 2025, the film has polarized critics and audiences: many praise Kaushal’s ferocity and the climactic sequences, while others fault its relentless violence, thin narrative layers, and uneven pacing www.ndtv.comThe Indian Express.
Plot Overview
Chhatrapati Shivaji’s death in 1680 leaves the Maratha Empire vulnerable, only for his son Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) to retaliate with a daring assault on Burhanpur, seizing Mughal treasure and igniting Aurangzeb’s vengeance Bollywood Hungama. From that point, the film tracks Sambhaji’s brutal rise and eventual capture, culminating in a graphic climax that many have compared to extreme torture‑porn The Indian Express.
Performance
Vicky Kaushal
Kaushal delivers a “towering performance,” fully committing to Sambhaji’s rage and pathos, with critics lauding his physicality and emotional intensity The Times of IndiaHindustan Times. NDTV notes that his ferocious roar and quiet moments alike hold the film together, even when the screenplay falters www.ndtv.com.
Supporting Cast
Akshaye Khanna’s Aurangzeb offers steady gravitas, though some found his portrayal overshadowed by the film’s violence The Times of India. Rashmika Mandanna appears in a limited but poignant role, drawing brief praise for her emotional scenes www.ndtv.com.
Direction & Screenplay
Laxman Utekar aims for spectacle with grand slow‑mo entries and large‑scale battle scenes, yet many feel the screenplay remains single‑note, focused narrowly on “greed vs. glory” without deeper character arcs www.ndtv.comThe Times of India. Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) criticizes the climax as “systematic flaying” reminiscent of The Passion of the Christ, calling the finale more exhausting than exhilarating The Indian Express.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography & VFX
The film boasts sweeping canvases and crisp framing, but visual effects and second‑unit work draw mixed reactions, with some viewers on Reddit finding the CGI inconsistent Reddit. Times of India highlights that the first half “feels like a collage of action sequences and songs,” suggesting technical shine isn’t enough to sustain narrative engagement The Times of India.
Music & Sound
A rousing score underscores key moments, though critics note the background music occasionally overpowers emotional beats, diluting tension rather than enhancing it Hindustan Times.
Critical Reception
- Bollywood Hungama: 4.0 / 5, praising the film as a “gripping historical spectacle” and lauding Kaushal’s commitment Bollywood Hungama.
- NDTV: 2.5 / 5, calling it “tiresome” and lacking in narrative layers www.ndtv.com.
- Indian Express: 2.5 / 5, condemning the “torture porn” climax and labeling the experience “ultra‑loud, ultra‑violent” The Indian Express.
- Economic Times: Mixed, noting Kaushal’s “highly praised” portrayal but mentioning a slow start and lukewarm support from co‑stars The Economic Times.
Audience Reaction
On Twitter and HT City threads, many hailed Kaushal’s “goosebumps‑inducing” performance, with fans calling it a “one‑man show,” while others lamented plot loopholes and pacing issues Hindustan TimesHindustan Times. Early box‑office reports suggest a strong opening day, though long‑term legs remain to be seen www.ndtv.com.
Conclusion
“Chaava” stands out for Vicky Kaushal’s magnetic performance and grand visuals but may test viewers’ patience with its unrelenting violence and lack of thematic depth. History‑buffs and action‑epic fans will find much to admire, while those seeking nuanced storytelling may come away wanting more.
Official Streaming Platform
- Netflix holds the exclusive digital rights and began streaming “Chhaava” on April 11, 2025. You can watch it (subject to regional availability) here:
https://www.netflix.com/title/81902061 Wikipediawww.ndtv.com - According to JustWatch, it’s available on both Netflix Standard and Netflix with Ads tiers in supported countries JustWatch.
Theatrical & Ticketing
- If you’d prefer the big‑screen experience, select cinemas still screen “Chhaava.” In the U.S., tickets can be booked via Fandango:
https://www.fandango.com/search?keyword=Chhaava JustWatch - Check your local listings for showtimes; regional releases (including a Telugu dub) continue in select markets..