The much-anticipated period drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, hit theatres on Friday, and early viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their first reactions. While the film itself has received mixed reviews, audiences have unanimously praised the performances of Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna.
Produced under Maddock Films, Chhaava also stars Akshaye Khanna, Rashmika Mandanna, Diana Penty, and Ashutosh Rana. The film narrates the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant Maratha ruler, with Vicky in the titular role.
Fans Hail Vicky and Akshaye’s Performances
Viewers who watched the early shows were particularly impressed with Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Akshaye Khanna’s powerful screen presence.
One fan wrote, “#Chhaava is going to be Bollywood’s first clean superhit movie of 2025. The dialogue, set pieces, VFX, and action are all impressive, and you will feel goosebumps.“
Another tweet praised the lead actors, stating, “Vicky Kaushal is on fire in the film, and Akshaye Khanna’s performance will give you goosebumps. What casting! Brilliant!“
A fan described the film’s climax as an overwhelming experience, saying, “The climax of #Chhaava isn’t just a scene—it’s an experience! Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you speechless! #MustWatch.“
Mixed Reactions to the Film
While the performances were widely appreciated, not everyone was impressed with the film as a whole. Some viewers felt that Chhaava had its shortcomings.
One user criticized the hype around the film, writing, “Calling #Chhaava a blockbuster is like calling a ghost town overcrowded. The numbers don’t match reality.“
Another fan pointed out pacing issues, saying, “#Chhaava first-half experience so far—Not able to hit the emotions, BGM not up to the mark. Hoping for a strong second half!“
Despite the criticism, many agreed that the film had a strong second half. A tweet read, “The film is decent, though the second part hits hard. There are some loopholes that pull it down, but Vicky and Akshaye shine well. Rashmika is good too.“
Vicky Kaushal’s Dedication to the Role
Ahead of the film’s release, Vicky Kaushal revealed that preparing for the role was extremely demanding. During a promotional event in Delhi, he shared that he had very little time for himself due to the rigorous training. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, actor Katrina Kaif, for her support and understanding throughout the process.
About Chhaava
Chhaava is a historical drama that tells the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, focusing on his leadership and bravery after his coronation in 1681. The film aims to capture the legendary Maratha warrior’s journey, struggles, and triumphs.
Despite the mixed reviews, the powerful performances by Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna have left a strong impact on audiences, making Chhaava a film worth experiencing.
Sources By Agencies
