Common Sense Media Review
By Ishmeet Nagpal
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Graphic, violent Indian epic; torture, harmful stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Where to Watch
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Chhaava
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In CHHAAVA, 17th-century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal) clashes with Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb (Akshaye Khanna), in a prolonged and bloody battle.
Is It Any Good?
This historical drama fails on nearly every level. Despite extreme violence designed to provoke emotional reactions, Chhaava is paradoxically dull, hampered by an aimless screenplay, plot inconsistencies, and repetitive dialogue. The music is particularly disappointing given the involvement of Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman. His songs about "Bhagwa (saffron) pride" feel jarring and politically loaded, while the background score seems better suited to action films than historical epic. Rashmika Mandanna struggles with Hindi pronunciation and the contradictory demands of playing a character meant to be both subservient and authoritative. Director Laxman Utekar appears more focused on conveying anti-Muslim sentiment and graphic violence than coherent storytelling or character development. Kaushal and Khanna attempt to bring depth to their roles, but the material—divorced from historical reality and nuance—gives them little to work with. The film's relentless gore and one-dimensional characterizations overwhelm any potential dramatic or historical value, resulting in a punishing viewing experience that serves political messaging over compelling cinema.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Chhaava. Did you find it exciting and thrilling, or over-the-top? What did it add to the story? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
How did the film portray different religious groups? What modern political messages were embedded in this historical story? How can viewers recognize when filmmakers use the past to promote present-day biases?
Discuss how women were portrayed in the movie? What does it mean when female characters exist only to serve male characters? Why representation matters in kids' media.
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : April 11, 2025
- Cast : Vicky Kaushal , Akshaye Khanna , Rashmika Mandanna
- Director : Laxman Utekar
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Yash Raj Films
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : History ( War: Other )
- Run time : 161 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 22, 2026
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