Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Chhaava’s success proves audiences want stories, not stars – Exclusive | Hindi Movie News – The Times of India

In a cinematic panorama pushed by excessive-funds spectacles, motion-packed sequences, and star-studded lineups, Chhaava, a movie rooted within the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has carved a singular area by resonating deeply with audiences, particularly in Maharashtra. Its success lies not in glitz, however in its grounded narrative and cultural authenticity.Mahesh Manjrekar’s latest remark underscores the sentiment: “Vicky Kaushal is a really superb actor. His movie Chhaava collected Rs 800 crore worldwide. However Vicky Kaushal can by no means say that folks got here to see him. The viewers got here to see your character. So my Maharashtra has saved the Hindi movie trade.”This assertion triggered a broader debate: Are viewers now prioritizing emotional resonance over celeb recognition? ETimes spoke to audiences to grasp what drew them to Chhaava.Historic dramas have gotten the brand new blockbustersHistoric movies have at all times walked a tightrope between leisure and schooling. However for a rising quantity of Indian viewers, particularly in Maharashtra, the main target is clearly on content material and cultural relevance.“We watched it to find out about our previous,” stated Ajay Ramesh Dhongade. “Vicky Kaushal’s performing was high-notch. He didn’t lower corners. From starting to finish, he gave his hundred p.c. His look, physique language, all the pieces was spot on.”Krushna Jagtap echoed this sentiment: “We truly went to grasp the historical past of Maharaj. Vicky Kaushal performed the function superbly. His portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy was actually impactful.”This new wave of viewer sentiment means that audiences have gotten extra invested within the character being portrayed quite than the actor behind it. One viewer, Vikrant Shingade, summed it up: “You’re not simply watching a film, you’re witnessing historical past unfold. Sure, some other actor might need achieved a good job too, however Vicky Kaushal actually embodied the function. He didn’t simply play Sambhaji; he grew to become him.” He added, “In any case, when a efficiency is that sturdy, the actor generally outshines the story, like Sushant Singh Rajput did with MS Dhoni. It’s not simply concerning the movie anymore; it’s concerning the man who introduced the legend alive.”Vicky Kaushal received hearts, however the story got here first

For the Marathi-talking viewers, historic icons aren’t simply characters, they’re private and cultural symbols.“We watched the movie as Marathis, to witness our historical past unfold,” stated Tushar Shinde. “That’s why we went to see it.”This deep-rooted connection means viewers anticipate greater than floor-stage storytelling, they anticipate emotional, cultural, and historic constancy.“Sharad Kelkar additionally match his function very properly,” added Jagtap. “However Bollywood actors nonetheless have an extended strategy to go in terms of portraying Marathi historic figures. The Marathi trade is aware of learn how to carry that emotional depth.”

Although Kaushal’s efficiency was largely praised, some viewers expressed a want to see native actors in such iconic roles.“Had Amol Kolhe performed the lead, we’d’ve 100% gone to see it for certain,” stated Dhongade. “Nonetheless, Vicky Kaushal gave a strong efficiency.”This isn’t a critique of Kaushal’s performing however quite a craving for cultural illustration. Nonetheless, others acknowledged the problem of casting such a strong function.“If not Vicky, who else may have performed Sambhaji Maharaj? Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor got here to thoughts, somebody with an identical commanding display presence and emotional depth. It’s a job that wants each gravitas and subtlety. Vicky introduced each,” stated Shingade.Audiences want extra depth and honesty

Regardless of its success, Chhaava wasn’t with out critique. Some felt the movie skimmed over Sambhaji Maharaj’s mental achievements.“This movie relies on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. However I felt there have been some issues lacking,” stated Dhongade. “Sambhaji Maharaj wrote a number of vital texts, and the languages he had mastered, these weren’t proven. They need to’ve touched on that mental aspect too.”Jagtap added: “The ending was too rushed. It’s an actual story, and they need to’ve gone extra in-depth within the climax.”One other vital side was the music, which many felt lacked the emotional richness typical of Marathi cinema.“If Atul had composed it, it’d’ve hit in a different way,” stated Dhongade, referring to the composer duo Ajay-Atul. “Bollywood struggles to match that Marathi emotional depth.”Shinde echoed this: “For Marathi folks, actors like Ajay-Atul carry one thing additional. There’s an emotional connection that Bollywood struggles to seize.”Jagtap added, “If the music, dialogues, and the hero have been extra aligned with Marathi sensibilities, the feelings would’ve linked even deeper.”Movies like this assist preserve tradition alive

Filmmakers are actually being requested a significant query: Is the story adequate to face by itself? For a lot of audiences, the reply should be sure.“Your common masala movies flop as a result of the tales aren’t correctly dealt with. Movies like this want construction, not gimmicks,” stated Shinde.And whereas Kaushal’s efficiency is appreciated, the consensus stays that the story is the true star.“Sure, there are flaws. The music may have hit more durable. The environment may have been grittier,” admitted Shingade. “However none of that takes away from the truth that the story was highly effective, the portrayal sincere, and the message loud and clear.” And maybe most significantly, he stated, “If the Indian viewers watches this movie and feels, ‘Wow, that is our historical past too,’ then we’ve succeeded.”He added, “Too typically, we see historic movies centered solely on Hindi-talking kings or pan-Indian figures like Ashoka. However what about our personal nice warriors? Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, they deserve that celebration.”

In a streaming period stuffed with quick-lived tendencies, Chhaava stands tall as a movie that sparked emotional and cultural connection.“A brand new era will now find out about this historical past. That’s what issues,” concluded Jagtap.Last takeaway: Stars could dazzle, however it’s the tales that keepThe verdict from Maharashtra is obvious – give us tales that replicate our values, our historical past, and our heroes, and we’ll present up. Chhaava has redefined success not via celeb, however via sincerity. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, this might be the start of an enduring shift – from fame to legacy, from faces to emotions.