Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava is all set to release on February 14, 2025. This period drama narrates the story of the fierce and valiant Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with Vicky Kaushal playing the titular character. As the Chhaava release date etches closer, the excitement surrounding period drama movies is at an all-time high. Everyone who loves and admires legendary Indian leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is waiting to experience this phenomenon on the big screen.
However, your journey in learning about India’s iconic leaders doesn’t have to stop with this one film, you can also revisit other epic historical movies like Fatteshikast, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Har Har Mahadev, and more online. Here’s a list of the top seven historical movies that will entertain and educate you at the same time.
1. Fatteshikast
Let’s start with the First Surgical Strike in Indian History. No, we’re not talking about Uri: The Surgical Strike. Although that was an incredible surgical strike, the first one in India was planned and executed by the one and only Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Fatteshikast is a Marathi movie starring Chinmay Mandlekar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Anup Soni, and others. It sheds light on the famous battle between Maharaj and the Mughal army, led by Shaista Khan. This battle was fought at Lal Mahal to stop Khan’s atrocities in Pune. Fatteshikast highlights Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic brilliance, resilience, and vision for Swarajya making it a must-watch for followers of this iconic leader.
2. Bajirao Mastani
Witness a tale of love, sacrifice, and war in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Bajirao Mastani. Starring Ranveer Singh as Peshwa Bajirao I, this epic tale revolves around his love story with his second wife, Mastani(Deepika Padukone). This film will give you an insight into the warfare, politics, and a romance that blossomed amidst it all. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra’s portrayal of Kashibai was loved by one and all making it a must-watch among historical movies.
3. Padmaavat
Another period drama with Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh, in the lead alongside Shahid Kapoor was Padmaavat. This film revolves around the legend of Rani Padmavati and her Johar representing Rajput valor and honor. It talks about Sultan Alauddin Khilji’s obsession with her which led to a war. Just like Chhaava, Padmaavat is a visual masterpiece and is the perfect film to set your mood for the Vicky Kaushal starrer.
4. Har Har Mahadev
Another Marathi gem that narrates the story of a Maratha warrior is Har Har Mahadev. This film tells the story of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, one of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s most loyal commanders. With Sharad Kelkar playing Deshpande and Subodh Bhave playing Shivaji Maharaj, this film highlights the legendary battle of Pawankhind. For anyone who loves history, you might remember this as the epic battle between the valiant Baji Prabhu Deshpande who led an army of 300 Maratha soldiers against the humungous Bijapuri army of thousands. He did this to ensure Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s passage to safety amid war-like situations. It is undoubtedly one of the best Marathi period drama movies.
5. Aśoka
Learn about the warrior who chose peace in Asoka, starring Shah Rukh Khan as Emperor Ashoka. In this movie, you can witness Emperor Ashoka’s transformation from a ruthless warrior to a champion of Buddhism who ultimately embraced peace. The film’s stunning cinematography and epic battle sequences will surely remind you of Chhaava movie.
6. Jodhaa Akbar
Experience an epic love story set in the Mughal Era, that of Jodhaa and Akbar. In this movie, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan bring the love story between Emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodhaa to life. With some breathtaking cinematography, soulful music, and powerful performances it’s one of the most beloved historical movies in Bollywood. However, if you feel like you need to learn more about their journey, and their love, watch the Jodha Akbar TV show on ZEE5 as it narrates the tale in great detail.
7. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior
Another gripping movie about a great Maratha warrior is Ajay Devgn’s Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. With Devgn playing the titular character of Tanaji Malusare, the film reminds us of his unyielding courage and devotion to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With spectacular battle scenes and larger-than-life visuals, this emotionally powerful movie is great to watch as you wait for Chhaava.
Chhaava – An Ode to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
If you’re a fan of Vicky Kaushal movies, you’re surely excited for Chhaava. This epic film promises to bring to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Shivaji Maharaj’s son and heir. While Shivaji was known as a Maratha lion, Sambhaji was known as his lion cub aka Chhaava. This film highlights all the sacrifices he made during his fierce resistance against the Mughals. As you wait for the release of this film, you could also watch Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji on ZEE5, a Marathi TV show following his life in great detail.
Watch Epic Period Dramas Like Chhaava Online
Whether you’re a follower of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj, someone who likes to learn more about their history, or simply someone who enjoys grand, magnum opus films, these movies will surely satiate your hunger. As you wait for Chhaava’s theatrical release, now is the perfect time to revisit these masterpieces and get your historical movie marathon started!
