1. Basic Information

  • Title: Chhaava (transl. Lion’s Cub)

  • Language: Hindi

  • Genre: Historical Action Drama

  • Release Date: 14 February 2025

  • Formats: Standard and IMAX

  • Box Office: ₹246.37 crore (US$28 million)

    • Second highest-grossing Indian film of 2025

    • Highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025

 

2. Plot Summary

  • Based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.
  • Key Events:
    • After Shivaji’s death, Aurangzeb assumes Maratha resistance will collapse.
    • Sambhaji attacks Burhanpur, a key Mughal center.
    • Kills a lion barehanded, symbolizing his bravery.
    • Aurangzeb launches a massive campaign, but Sambhaji fights using guerrilla tactics.
    • Internal conflicts: Soyarabai (Sambhaji’s stepmother) plots against him.
    • Captured, tortured, and executed by Aurangzeb, yet his legacy inspires resistance.
    • The film ends with the Marathas’ eventual triumph and the collapse of the Mughal Empire.

3. Cast

  • Vicky Kaushal – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
  • Rashmika Mandanna – Yesubai Bhonsale (Sambhaji’s wife)
  • Akshaye Khanna – Aurangzeb
  • Diana Penty – Zinatun Nissa Begum (Aurangzeb’s daughter)
  • Ashutosh Rana – Hambirrao Mohite
  • Divya Dutta – Soyarabai (Sambhaji’s stepmother)
  • Varun Buddhadev – Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (Sambhaji’s stepbrother)
  • Ajay Devgn – Narrator (voiceover in the opening sequence)
  • Supporting Cast: Santosh Juvekar, Vineet Kumar Singh, Pradeep Rawat, and others.

4. Production Details

Development

  • Director: Laxman Utekar
  • Producer: Dinesh Vijan (Maddock Films)
  • Inspired by: Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant
  • Preproduction: Began in April 2023
  • Filming: October 2023 – May 2024

Research & Authenticity

  • One year of research on 17th-century Maratha history.
  • Filming locations visited: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Pune, Ratnagiri.
  • Costume Design: Authentic Paithani sarees and 500-year-old fabric borders.
  • Jewelry & Props: Based on museum references (including Bhavani sword).
  • Vicky Kaushal’s Look: Inspired by historical busts and statues of Sambhaji.

Casting & Training

  • Vicky Kaushal:
    • 4 months training (sword fighting, horse riding).
    • Gained 25 kg for the role.
  • Aurangzeb role: Initially Anil Kapoor was approached; finalized on Akshaye Khanna.
  • Santosh Juvekar: Cast after a last-minute role change.

Filming

  • Locations: Raigad, Wai, and other historical sites.
  • Grand Set: Sambhaji’s coronation scene featured an eight-sided throne.

Post-Production

  • VFX: Handled by Assemblage Entertainment & ReDefine.
  • CBFC Rating: U/A 16+ (with modifications to certain dialogues/scenes).
  • Runtime: 161 minutes 50 seconds.

5. Music

  • Composer: A. R. Rahman
  • Lyricists: Irshad Kamil, Kshitij Patwardhan
  • Album Release: 13 February 2025

Singles:

  1. Jaane Tu – Released on 31 January 2025 (Sung by Arijit Singh)
  2. Aaya Re Toofan – Released on 6 February 2025 (Sung by A. R. Rahman & Vaishali Samant)

Tracklist:

  1. Jaane Tu
  2. Aaya Re Toofan
  3. Zinda Rahey
  4. Teri Chaahat
  5. The Roar
  6. Rudra
  7. The Crown

6. Marketing

  • Teaser: Released on 19 August 2024 (Raksha Bandhan).
  • Trailer: Released on 22 January 2025.
  • Controversy:
    • A scene showing Sambhaji & Yesubai performing Lezim dance was removed after backlash from Maharashtrian political figures.

7. Release

  • Original Release Date: 6 December 2024 (Postponed).
  • Final Release Date: 14 February 2025.
  • International Release: Also released in Russia.

8. Critical Reception

Positive Aspects

  • Vicky Kaushal’s performance was highly praised.
  • Grand visuals, action sequences, & emotional depth were appreciated.

Criticisms

  • Some found the film lacked depth in exploring Sambhaji’s complex character.
  • The narrative was seen as overly loud & violent.

Ratings

  • Rediff: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
  • Zee News: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
  • Times Now: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
  • Filmfare: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
  • The Times of India: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
  • The Week: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
  • NDTV: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
  • The Indian Express: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
  • The Quint: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)

9. Box Office Performance

  • Opening Day: ₹33.10 crore (US$3.8 million) in India.
  • Opening Weekend: ₹157 crore (US$18 million) worldwide.
  • Total Gross: ₹246.37 crore (US$28 million).

10. Key Highlights

  • Vicky Kaushal’s physical transformation & intense performance.
  • Authentic recreation of the 17th-century Maratha era.
  • A. R. Rahman’s powerful soundtrack.
  • Focus on guerrilla warfare & Sambhaji’s defiance against Aurangzeb.

11. References

  • Interviews with Laxman Utekar.
  • Production details from Maddock Films.
  • Reviews from major publications:
    • The Times of India, NDTV, Filmfare, Zee News, Rediff, The Indian Express.
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