Chhaava on Netflix Review: Netizens share mixed reactions after watching Vicky Kaushal’s historic film on OTT

Chhaava on Netflix OTT review

Vicky Kaushal’s much-awaited historical drama Chhaava, now streaming on Netflix, has stirred a flurry of reactions across social media. Centered around the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the film attempts to blend intense action, emotional depth, and patriotic fervor into a cinematic tribute. However, the audience verdict remains split — while many are hailing the film as a powerful period drama, others criticize its execution and historical portrayal.

The Praise: Stellar Performances and Goosebump Moments

A significant number of viewers appreciated the film’s grandeur and action sequences. Preethi Warrier shared on X (formerly Twitter), “A very impactful movie, high on action and drama. The war scenes are depicted powerfully… Good performances overall but the movie rests on Vicky Kaushal’s able shoulders. Historical drama at its best, go watch.”

#Chhaava #ChhaavaOnNetflixA very impactful movie, high on action and drama. The war scenes are depicted powerfully, the warcries and the moves look very real.Good performances overall but the movie rests on Vicky Kaushal's able shoulders.Historical drama at it's best,go watch pic.twitter.com/OBQB4Ub3jU
Preethi Warrier (@PreethiWar75611) April 11, 2025

Mousumi Mukherjee echoed a similar sentiment, calling Chhaava “an extraordinary cinematic masterpiece that brings the legendary story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji to life… capturing one of the most powerful chapters of Indian history with grandeur and emotion.”

CHHAVA is an extraordinary cinematic masterpiece that brings the legendary story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji to life. A spectacular historical drama capturing one of the most powerful chapters of Indian history with grandeur and emotion.#Chhaava @vickykaushal09#ChhaavaOnNetflix Mousumi Mukherjee (@MOUSUMI_EF) April 11, 2025

Lakshman Sai Kumar Tumati was also impressed, rating the movie 3.5 stars and calling it “intense goosebumps stuff”. He praised Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal and stated that the film “retells the fact that Mughals & British only reigned over us because some Indians betrayed the whole India.”

#ChhaavaOnNetflix :Clearly #VickyKaushal stole the National Award from #Pushpa's handsLoaded with intense goosebumps stuffRetells the fact that Mughals & British only reigned over us cuz some Indians betrayed the whole India#Chhaava #Netflix pic.twitter.com/GJwaX9IvcR
Lakshman Sai Kumar Tumati (@LakshmanOnX) April 11, 2025

Manisha Rajput added an emotional reaction to the mix: “Dil dahal gaya. Hinduon ka astitva abhi bhi bacha hai kyunki har yug mein Sambhaji Maharaj jaise prakarmi Hindu hue hain.” Her post reflects how the film resonated deeply with viewers who hold the historical narrative close to their hearts.

The Criticism: VFX, Historical Accuracy, and Overdramatization

However, not everyone was impressed. Several users voiced concerns about the film’s cinematic flaws and overdramatization.

Lakshman, despite his praise, pointed out flaws such as “half-baked VFX” and expressed disappointment that “Chhatrapati’s demise wasn’t shown on screen again — they just tell, but no show.”

No wonder #Bollywood is dying.They take masala entertainer, mix it with propaganda and pretend it's history #ChhaavaonNetflix !#SabarmatiReport is another bleah!All absolute fantasy pretending to be history. Bozos believe it's true while the producer rakes in money... pic.twitter.com/u7Ic9Eu15l Geeta Madhavan (@TruthNo_7) April 14, 2025

Another user, posting under the name Live.Love.Laugh, questioned the lead actor’s performance style: “Why is Vicky Kaushal shouting so much and showing anger in his shaking rage face in the fight scenes?” They appreciated Akshay’s subtle performance more, calling it “subtle but strong.”

#ChhaavaonNetflix I have one question, why is Vicky Kaushal shouting so much and showing anger in his shaking rage face in the fight scenes??? Just finished watching 1 hr 11 min of the movie. Loved Akshay's subtle but strong performance.
Live.Love.Laugh (@mrs_247) April 14, 2025

Geeta Madhavan was far more critical, taking a broader swipe at the film and Bollywood: “They take masala entertainer, mix it with propaganda and pretend it’s history… Absolute fantasy pretending to be history. Bozos believe it’s true while the producer rakes in money.” Her strong reaction suggests concerns about the film’s historical integrity.

Another user sarcastically questioned how the film made so much money, claiming they stopped watching after just 12 minutes. Their criticism highlights growing skepticism about the commercialization of historical narratives in Indian cinema.