Overview of "Chhaava"
"Chhaava," an epic drama starring Vicky Kaushal, has made headlines since its release, achieving a remarkable opening of ₹31 crore on February 14, 2025. This impressive figure marks it as the top opener of the year, surpassing previous hits like "Sky Force," which earned ₹15.30 crore, and "Gully Boy," which made ₹19.40 crore on the same day in 2019.
Reception and Performances
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, "Chhaava" has maintained strong audience turnout. Viewers have specifically praised the performances of the leading actors, Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna. Vicky portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in a way that resonates with audiences, particularly for his depiction of valor and passion for independence (swaraj).
Cast Salaries
One of the significant discussions surrounding the film has been about the salaries of its cast. Here’s a breakdown of the actors’ earnings:
Main Cast
- Vicky Kaushal (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj): ₹10 crore
- Rashmika Mandanna (Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale): ₹4 crore
- Akshaye Khanna (Aurangzeb): ₹2.5 crore
Vicky Kaushal’s salary is noted to be around seven percent of the film’s budget, maintaining a paycheck similar to his role in "Bad Newz" but lesser than his earnings for "URI: The Surgical Strike," where he made ₹12 crore.
Fans were surprised by Akshaye Khanna’s compensation, which, though an increase from ₹2 crore for “Drishyam 2," is still much less than Vicky’s. Many fans feel that Akshaye’s performance in "Chhaava" deserves a higher pay rate considering his talent and experience in the industry.
Supporting Cast Salaries
- Ashutosh Rana (Hambirrao Mohite): ₹80 lakh
- Divya Dutta (Rajmata Soyarabai Bhosale): ₹45 lakh
The varying salaries of the supporting cast also indicate the film’s budgeting strategy, with notable actors receiving commendable but less-than-stellar paychecks in comparison to the leads.
Critiques of the Film
The film received 3.5 out of 5 stars in reviews, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses in its narrative. While the lead performances were celebrated, some criticism focused on the limited screen time for female characters. A notable point in the review mentions Divya Dutta’s powerful presence, suggesting that she deserved a more substantive role.
Rashmika’s portrayal has also faced scrutiny for her challenges in grasping the language and emotional depth required for her character. Another actress, Diana Penty, was perceived as a significant disappointment, partly due to her limited dialogue and less engaging performance.
Highlights of the Film
- Strong Second Half: The movie’s strong climax and gripping narrative have been praised for keeping viewers engaged.
- Vicky Kaushal’s Performance: His interpretation of Sambhaji Maharaj’s character was heralded as a high point, with plenty of emotional depth.
Areas for Improvement
Although "Chhaava" showcases stunning visuals and a compelling story, there are suggestions for improvement:
- Focus on Female Narratives: More substantial roles for female actors could enhance the film’s depth.
- Balance Between Music and Story: Feedback indicates that the film could benefit from relying more on its narrative rather than the music, which some felt was out of place during key scenes.
Conclusion
"Chhaava" effectively showcases the strengths of its leading actors, particularly Vicky Kaushal, while also shining a light on the critical dialogue regarding actor pay and representation in cinema. Despite mixed reviews, its box office success and the strong performances reflect a promising future for the film and its cast. The conversation around salaries illustratively mirrors broader discussions in the film industry about fairness and recognition of talent. With these discussions, one can hope for a brighter evolution of narratives, roles, and compensation in Indian cinema moving forward.
