- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:06 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chhaava, one of the most anticipated movies, based on the life of Chhatrapati Maharaj’s eldest son Sambhaji Maharaj, is all set to hit the theatres. What makes this movie intriguing is the plot following the true events that conspired the execution of one of the greatest emperors of the Maratha history. As we await the film's release, let's take a journey through the life of Sambhaji Maharaj and uncover the circumstances that ultimately led to his demise.
Who was Sambhaji Maharaj?
Sambhaji, also known as Shambhuraje, was the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, ruling from 1681 to 1689. He was the eldest son of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha kingdom. Sambhaji's life was marked by controversy, including his addiction to sensual pleasures and attempted violation of a Brahmin woman, which led to his confinement by Shivaji.
Sambhaji defected to the Mughal Empire and served under Diler Khan before ascending to the throne after Shivaji's death. His rule was shaped by ongoing wars with the Mughal Empire and neighboring powers. Despite facing numerous challenges, Sambhaji continued to attack and disrupt Mughal supply lines and raid their territory.
How did Sambhaji Maharaj die?
Sambhaji's reign was marked by a series of challenges and power struggles. In 1683, he uncovered a plot to assassinate him, which led to the execution of 24 members of influential families, including top government ministers.¹ This move, while intended to consolidate his power, ultimately weakened his position, as many of these families had been loyal to his father, Shivaji.
As Sambhaji's grip on power began to slip, the Mughals saw an opportunity to strike. By 1685, they had gradually pushed back Sambhaji's forces, taking over their strongholds and gaining control of key territories. The Mughals' superior military strength ultimately led to Sambhaji's capture in 1688. He was executed, marking the end of his reign and the beginning of a new era of Maratha-Mughal conflict.
Torture Before Sambhaji’s Execution
Aurangzeb ordered the execution of Sambhaji, the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, and his loyal companion, Kavi Kalash. Before their execution, Sambhaji was subjected to the gruesome torture of having his eyes blinded, while Kavi Kalash suffered the horrific fate of having his tongue cut out. Ultimately, both Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were beheaded on March 11, 1689, at Tulapur, a small village located on the banks of the Bhima River, near present-day Pune.
What happened after Sambhaji’s execution?
In the aftermath of Sambhaji's execution, the Mughals continued their campaign to assert control over the region. Within the year, they had gained control of most of Khandesh, as well as the forts of northern Maharashtra and Konkan. Sambhaji's brother, Rajaram I, succeeded him as the next Chhatrapati, vowing to continue the Mughal-Maratha Wars and restore Maratha dominance in the region. Despite the challenges ahead, Rajaram I remained committed to the cause, determined to honour his brother's legacy and defend their kingdom against the Mughal Empire.
About Chhaava: Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the esteemed banner of Maddock Films, Chhaava boasts an impressive cast, including Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles. This magnum opus is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed Marathi novel, Chhava, penned by the renowned author Shivaji Sawant.
The film's journey began in April 2023, with the pre-production phase, followed by the commencement of filming in October 2023. After an intense filming schedule, the movie wrapped up in May 2024. The soundtrack and film score have been composed by the musical maestro A. R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by the talented Irshad Kamil.
Chhaava is slated for a grand theatrical release on February 14, 2025, in the immersive IMAX format, promising an unparalleled cinematic experience.
