Chhaava -hindi- (2025)

[Your Name/Institution]

The Hindi film Chhaava (transl. Lion Cub ) represents a significant entry in the genre of the Indian historical epic, focusing on the life, military campaigns, and martyrdom of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. This paper analyzes the film’s narrative structure, its representation of Maratha ethos versus Mughal imperialism, and its function within modern Hindutva-influenced historical discourse. By examining the film’s portrayal of key events—including the Battle of Sangameshwar and Sambhaji’s torture under Aurangzeb—this study argues that Chhaava serves both as a memorialization of a lesser-celebrated Maratha king and as a political tool for reasserting regional pride within a pan-Indian nationalist framework. Chhaava -Hindi-

The film uses a stark dichotomy: the Mughal camp is draped in oppressive deep greens, gold, and black, with static, geometric compositions reflecting imperial rigidity. In contrast, the Maratha segments employ earthy ochres, saffron, and dynamic, shaky handheld shots during battle sequences, emphasizing mobility, chaos, and organic connection to the ghorpad (hill fort) landscape. [Your Name/Institution] The Hindi film Chhaava (transl