Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: Chhaava's success proves audiences want stories, not stars - Exclusive

In a cinematic landscape driven by high-budget spectacles, action-packed sequences, and star-studded lineups, Chhaava, a film rooted in the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has carved a unique space by resonating deeply with audiences, especially in Maharashtra. Its success lies not in glitz, but in its grounded narrative and cultural authenticity.Mahesh Manjrekar’s recent comment underscores the sentiment: “Vicky Kaushal is a very fine actor. His film Chhaava collected Rs 800 crore worldwide. But Vicky Kaushal can never say that people came to see him. The audience came to see your character. So my Maharashtra has saved the Hindi film industry.”This statement triggered a broader debate: Are viewers now prioritizing emotional resonance over celebrity recognition? ETimes spoke to audiences to understand what drew them to Chhaava.Historical dramas are becoming the new blockbustersHistorical films have always walked a tightrope between entertainment and education. But for a growing number of Indian viewers, especially in Maharashtra, the focus is clearly on content and cultural relevance.“We watched it to learn about our past,” said Ajay Ramesh Dhongade. “Vicky Kaushal’s acting was top-notch. He didn’t cut corners. From beginning to end, he gave his hundred percent. His look, body language, everything was spot on.”Krushna Jagtap echoed this sentiment: “We actually went to understand the history of Maharaj. Vicky Kaushal played the role beautifully. His portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy was really impactful.”This new wave of viewer sentiment suggests that audiences are becoming more invested in the character being portrayed rather than the actor behind it. One viewer, Vikrant Shingade, summed it up: “You’re not just watching a movie, you’re witnessing history unfold. Yes, any other actor might have done a decent job too, but Vicky Kaushal truly embodied the role. He didn’t just play Sambhaji; he became him.” He added, "After all, when a performance is that strong, the actor sometimes outshines the story, like Sushant Singh Rajput did with MS Dhoni. It’s not just about the film anymore; it’s about the man who brought the legend alive."Vicky Kaushal won hearts, but the story came firstFor the Marathi-speaking audience, historical icons aren’t just characters, they are personal and cultural symbols.“We watched the film as Marathis, to witness our history unfold,” said Tushar Shinde. “That’s why we went to see it.”This deep-rooted connection means viewers expect more than surface-level storytelling, they expect emotional, cultural, and historical fidelity.“Sharad Kelkar also fit his role very well,” added Jagtap. “But Bollywood actors still have a long way to go when it comes to portraying Marathi historical figures. The Marathi industry knows how to bring that emotional intensity.”Though Kaushal’s performance was largely praised, some viewers expressed a desire to see local actors in such iconic roles.“Had Amol Kolhe played the lead, we would’ve 100% gone to see it for sure,” said Dhongade. “Still, Vicky Kaushal gave a solid performance.”This isn’t a critique of Kaushal’s acting but rather a yearning for cultural representation. Still, others acknowledged the challenge of casting such a powerful role.“If not Vicky, who else could have played Sambhaji Maharaj? Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor came to mind, someone with a similar commanding screen presence and emotional depth. It’s a role that needs both gravitas and subtlety. Vicky brought both,” said Shingade.Audiences want more depth and honestyDespite its success, Chhaava wasn’t without critique. Some felt the film skimmed over Sambhaji Maharaj’s intellectual achievements.“This film is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. But I felt there were some things missing,” said Dhongade. “Sambhaji Maharaj wrote several important texts, and the languages he had mastered, those weren’t shown. They should’ve touched on that intellectual side too.”Jagtap added: “The ending was too rushed. It’s a real story, and they should’ve gone more in-depth in the climax.”Another significant aspect was the music, which many felt lacked the emotional richness typical of Marathi cinema.“If Atul had composed it, it might’ve hit differently,” said Dhongade, referring to the composer duo Ajay-Atul. “Bollywood struggles to match that Marathi emotional depth.”Shinde echoed this: “For Marathi people, actors like Ajay-Atul bring something extra. There’s an emotional connection that Bollywood struggles to capture.”Jagtap added, “If the music, dialogues, and the hero were more aligned with Marathi sensibilities, the emotions would’ve connected even deeper.”Films like this help keep culture aliveFilmmakers are now being asked a vital question: Is the story good enough to stand on its own? For many audiences, the answer must be yes.“Your average masala films flop because the stories aren’t properly handled. Films like this need structure, not gimmicks,” said Shinde.And while Kaushal’s performance is appreciated, the consensus remains that the story is the true star.“Yes, there are flaws. The music could have hit harder. The atmosphere could have been grittier,” admitted Shingade. “But none of that takes away from the fact that the story was powerful, the portrayal honest, and the message loud and clear.” And perhaps most importantly, he said, “If the Indian audience watches this film and feels, ‘Wow, this is our history too,’ then we’ve succeeded.”He added, “Too often, we see historical films focused only on Hindi-speaking kings or pan-Indian figures like Ashoka. But what about our own great warriors? Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, they deserve that celebration.”In a streaming era filled with short-lived trends, Chhaava stands tall as a film that sparked emotional and cultural connection.“A new generation will now learn about this history. That’s what matters,” concluded Jagtap.Final takeaway: Stars may dazzle, but it’s the stories that stayThe verdict from Maharashtra is clear - give us stories that reflect our values, our history, and our heroes, and we will show up. Chhaava has redefined success not through celebrity, but through sincerity. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, this could be the beginning of a lasting shift - from fame to legacy, from faces to feelings.