CHHAAVA - A Tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

CHHAAVA , Movie Directed by Laxman Utekar, the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (Vicky Kaushal, main character) to life in a way that makes you feel deeply emotional and proud. The film focuses on his journey, showing his struggles, battles, victories, and his dedication towards creating Swarajya. It beautifully captures the challenges he faced and his commitment to his people. With stunning visuals, strong performances, and a story that touches your heart, Chhaava doesn’t just tell history, it makes you experience it. The film helps you understand the strength and courage of  Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, leaving you with respect for the incredible sacrifices he made for freedom.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Born on 14 May 1657, Son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Second Chhatrapati of Swarajya. Knew multiple languages, promoted literature, knew the use of every weapons and much more. Death on 11 March 1689.

The story of the movie starts from The Burhanpur attack (1681) by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj against the Mughal Empire. At the time, Burhanpur was a crucial Mughal trade and military center in present-day Madhya Pradesh. Sambhaji Maharaj launched a sudden raid on Burhanpur with around 20,000 Maratha troops. The Marathas plundered the city, seizing a large amount of wealth, including gold, silver, and weapons. The moment when Sambhaji Maharaj saves a child lost on battle field gives goosebumps. A unexpected fight with a lion was incredible. Like counting the teeth of lion putting hands into the lions mouth.

 This shows the power of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. It forced Aurangzeb to focus more resources on controlling Maratha Empire. After successfully looting Burhanpur, Sambhaji Maharaj strategically returned to Maharashtra.

The Rajyabhishek of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj took place on 20 July 1681 at Raigad Fort, following the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1680.

 After Shivaji Maharaj's death, a power struggle ensued between Sambhaji Maharaj and his mother Soyrabai, who wanted her son Rajaram Maharaj on the throne. Soyrabai with some ministers like Annaji Datto , Somaji Datto etc. plans a war against Chhatapati Sambhaji Maharaj with help of Akbar (Son of Aurangzeb). Akbar wants to become Badshah of Hindustan distroying his father Aurangzeb. But his fortune advised him "if Sambhaji Maharaj will get this information , he will first arrest Akbar". So he not supports Annaji and gives all information to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj resulting Annaji Datto and others get punishment to go under the Elephants legs. 

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a brilliant military strategist who continued the Maratha resistance against the Mughals, Portuguese, and Siddis. He used guerrilla warfare, swift raids, naval power, and fort defense to weaken enemy forces. He also expanded the Maratha Navy to challenge foreign powers.  His strategies kept Hindavi Swarajya strong for nearly a decade against Aurangzeb's massive army. Most of Maratha worriers (Mavala) never thought about their lives to protect Swarajya , to save Maharaj.

 Yesubai (Rashmika Mandanna, main female character) wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the bond between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Yesubai Bhosale was one of deep respect, trust, and loyalty. "Shrisakhi" is the word mentioned for Yesubai in the movie. Which has a very deep meaning. Yesubai was not just his wife but also his pillar of support in political and military affairs. She understood the challenges of ruling Swarajya and stood by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj during his toughest times, including his relentless battles against the Mughals. 

The bond between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Kavi Kalash (Chhandogamatya) was built on deep friendship, trust, and loyalty. Kavi Kalash was not just a poet but also a guide and advisor to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. More than a scholar, Kavi Kalash was a brave supporter of Swarajya who stood by Sambhaji Maharaj in every battle and challenge. News of death of Hambirrao Mohite (Hambir Mama) makes everyone emotional. He supports Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in every situation.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maratha Empire was fighting approximately 9 years with the massive army of Aurangzeb. The last fight of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj took place in 1689 when he was captured by the Mughals near Sangameshwar. Aurangzeb had been trying to defeat Sambhaji for years but failed due to the Maratha guerrilla tactics. However, through madness of own people toward term "Watan", they told the exact location of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the shortest path to reach there. Mughal forces led by Muqarrab Khan managed to ambush and capture Sambhaji Maharaj and Kavi Kalash while they were resting with a small force. Kavi Kalash when the Mughals captured them, he refused to leave his king, choosing to face death with him. Their bond is a powerful symbol of friendship, courage, and sacrifice that continues to inspire generations. At that time Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj remember the words of his father "No one in this entire world can defeat you Shambhu, but your own people can".

Even after being captured, Sambhaji Maharaj refused to surrender or accept Mughal rule. 40 days Aurangzeb try to torture him and Kavi Kalash but not surrender. He boldly insulted Aurangzeb and remained on his words till the end. Aurangzeb cut nails, remove skin from their body, uses salted water to listen screams of Maharaj but maharaj not even react on it. He put heated rods in eyes of Maharaj, pull the tongue from mouth, even though Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj not accept the Mughal rule.

Enraged, Aurangzeb ordered his brutal execution after days of torture. On March 11, 1689, Sambhaji Maharaj was martyred, but his sacrifice inspired the Marathas to continue their fight, eventually leading to the downfall of the Mughal Empire........

In the end, he is martyred, but his sacrifice inspires the Marathas to continue their fight. The film closes by showing how the Mughals eventually weakened, leading to the rise of Swarajya. Everyone should watch this movie to know how people sacrifices their lives their everything for Swarajya. Also read "Chhava" written by Shivaji Sawant once.