Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj

Chhaava is more than just a historical film; it is a wake-up call, a reminder of the forgotten heroism of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire and the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. If Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation for Swarajya, it was Sambhaji Maharaj who ensured its survival. A true Dharmaveer, his unwavering dedication to Hindavi Swarajya cemented his legacy as a defender of Bharat’s freedom.The movie opens with the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a moment the Mughals believed would lead to the downfall of the Marathas. However, they had now entered the lion’s den, facing his equally fearless son, Sambhaji Maharaj.Despite his grief, Sambhaji retaliates, launching a bold attack on the Mughal stronghold of Burhanpur alongside his trusted general, Sarsenapati Hambirrao Mohite. He relentlessly thwarted Mughal expansion, employing guerrilla warfare tactics similar to his father’s. These strategies—lightning-fast ambushes, disrupting supply lines, and using the Deccan terrain to his advantage—turn every battle scene into a thrilling spectacle. Watching Sambhaji in beast mode is electrifying.While Aurangzeb struggles with Sambhaji on the battlefield, the Maratha king also faces betrayals from within. His stepmother, Soyarabai, conspires to dethrone him, aligning with his brother-in-law, Ganoji Shirke. Meanwhile, Aurangzeb’s son, Muhammad Akbar, rebels against his father, seeks refuge with Sambhaji and warns Sambhaji of the conspiracies brewing within his camp. One of the most powerful scenes is when Vicky Kaushal, portraying Sambhaji Maharaj, delivers a fiery speech on Swarajya, declaring it is not just for the Marathas but for everyone who values freedom. His words and the deafening Har Har Mahadev war cry gave me goosebumps..Sambhaji Maharaj was a warrior unlike any other. In his nine-year reign, he fought 120 battles and remained undefeated. With an army of just 20,000, he repeatedly crushed the Mughals’ 8 lakh-strong forces, forcing Aurangzeb to shift his focus entirely to the Deccan. This move indirectly kept the rest of India free from Mughal tyranny for an extended period. His vision of Swarajya was not limited to the Marathas but extended to every individual who called Bharat their motherland.Sambhaji Maharaj’s downfall came not through defeat in battle but through betrayal. While strategising in Sangameshwar, he was ambushed and captured due to the treachery of his people. Even then, he fought valiantly, alone against overwhelming numbers, living up to his legendary bravery.Aurangzeb subjected Sambhaji to unimaginable torture for 40 days, trying to break his spirit with three choices—accept him as king, surrender Maratha wealth, or convert to Islam. Sambhaji defiantly rejected all, declaring, ‘Maut ke ghungroo pehenke naachte hai hum’ (We dance wearing anklets of death; we do not fear it). He endured excruciating torment—nails pulled out, eyes burned, limbs broken—yet never surrendered. Even in captivity, his unshaken resolve earned the respect of his enemies. When offered life in exchange for conversion, he fearlessly retorted, ‘Tu Marathaon ke taraf aa ja, aur tujhe dharam bhi nahi badalna padega’ (Join the Marathas; you won’t even need to change your religion)..Though his body was destroyed, his indomitable spirit remained undefeated, and that was Aurangazeb’s biggest defeat.Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj is phenomenal, embodying the warrior’s fury, resilience, and charisma in every scene. Akshaye Khanna, as Aurangzeb, delivers a chilling performance as a cold, calculative, and power-hungry antagonist.The film is a reminder of the sacrifices made by our ancestors and why their stories must never be forgotten.The movie compels us to ask fundamental questions:● Why does history matter?● What makes the Marathas different from Mughal rulers when both were trying to expand their territories?● What sacrifices were made for our freedom today?.Unlike Aurangzeb, who imposed Jizya tax and forced conversions, the Maratha rule was based on Dharma—righteousness and respect for all faiths. The concept of Swarajya was about self-rule and justice, not just territorial conquest. The British erased the stories of great warriors like Sambhaji from history, but why is it still neglected, even in independent India?If we were taught the true picture of Aurangazeb, then we would know how many Aurangazebs and Sambhajis are born today.It’s high time we recognise true heroes beyond sports figures and film celebrities.Every Indian must watch this movie to truly appreciate Sambhaji Maharaj’s sacrifice, principles, and relentless pursuit of Swarajya. Movies like Chhaava fill the gaps left by history textbooks, making them a must-watch for every citizen who loves Bharat.

Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj

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