Chhaava (छावा)

While people in other parts of the world fought for their survival,

in India, a mighty civilization was being forged.

A place where people of all faiths lived like one family.

But this temple soon fell victim to aggressive invasions.

In the 16th century, after winning the battle of Panipat,

the Mughal Empire's flag soared high over the throne of Delhi.

In those dark times, countless rulers and kingdoms fought for survival.

For the next century, no one in India

could bring down the might of the Mughal Empire.

In the 17th century,

the most powerful, ruthless, and merciless Mughal Emperor,

Aurangzeb, sat on the throne,

imposing unimaginable tyranny.

But whenever terror and cruelty rise on earth,

a great soul is born to protect it.

And that fated moment dawned,

when the very essence of Goddess Bhavani and Lord Shiva

was born from the womb of Mother Jijau,

within the family of Shahajiraje Bhonsle.

Har Har Mahadev!

The one to protect this land from the atrocities of Aurang,

the one who ignited the flame of Swarajya

and founded the Maratha Empire,

was none other than the great hero of this land...

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!

His fight was never against any religion.

His struggle was against oppression and tyranny.

Fearing his growing power,

Aurang launched numerous attacks on Swarajya,

but every time, he was defeated.

Swarajya!

If anyone on this earth could challenge Aurangzeb and his merciless empire,

it was the lion of the Deccan,

the brave, the valiant...

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!

Hail Goddess Bhavani!

RED FORT

From Bengal, Shaista Khan sends a royal gift, my Lord.

In the war in Tibet, the Mughals

have emerged victorious, Your Majesty.

- Wonderful! - Amazing!

- Superb! - Wonderful!

- Amazing! - Superb!

May the Lord's greatness continue to ascend!

We have received urgent news from the Deccan, Your Majesty.

The Shiva of the Deccan,

the Chhatrapati of the Marathas,

has passed on to the afterlife!

- Glory be to Allah! - Glory be to Allah!

- Glory be to Allah! - Glory be to Allah!

Upon hearing this,

I can already imagine the Mughal flag

soaring over Hindustan!

- Let it be so. - Let it be so.

- Let it be so. - Let it be so.

With Shivaji's demise,

the Deccan will inevitably fall under our empire's control!

- Let it be so. - Let it be so.

- Let it be so. - Let it be so.

While imprisoned in Agra,

he managed to escape

both death and Your Majesty's grasp.

Since then,

we have failed to conquer the Deccan.

At last,

Your Majesty's only unfulfilled dream has been realized today.

- Let it be so. - Let it be so.

- Let it be so. - Let it be so.

My eager ears still long for good news, yet none comes, even today.

A foe like Siva...

comes once in a lifetime.

Oh, Allah, this grievance with You shall linger in my heart forever!

Keep the gates of heaven wide open...

the lion is coming!

Celebrate!

Make the poor people rich!

Celebrate the fall of the Maratha Empire!

- Let it be so. - Let it be so.

BURHANPUR JANUARY 1681

Sire Khan Zamaan,

the taxes collected from the non-Muslims

are quickly filling the treasury!

- Wow! - That's amazing!

Since Shivaji's death, people, gripped by fear for their lives,

are willingly offering us their wealth!

Glory be to Allah!

Glory be to Allah!

Glory be to Allah!

That's why I'm getting a massage, Kakkad!

My bones are stiff from a lack of movement!

Unfortunately,

there's been no battle

or pillaging lately.

May God keep your strong body fit and healthy, Sire!

Burhanpur is like a gold mine, Sire!

It is the lifeline of the Mughal Empire.

You never know when you might have to defend it from someone's prying eyes!

Who would dare attack us?

The Rajputs are busy guarding their own empire!

And the Marathas have been left without a leader.

My advice is to sip some kahwah and stay alert.

For death's summons

and uninvited guests...

always arrive without a warning!

Sire!

Mar... Mar...

What are you saying?

The Maratha army is fast approaching!

Close the gates!

Be on guard!

The Marathas are here!

Charge!

Charge!

Let them come!

We will turn the Burhanpur border into their tomb!

Indeed, Sire!

Not a single Maratha will be able to set foot inside!

Sire!

The Maratha army has breached Burhanpur!

Har Har Mahadev!

Har Har Mahadev!

What are you waiting for?

Har Har Mahadev!

Har Har Mahadev!

Goddess Jagdamba!

Mother!

Mother!

My son!

Someone save him!

My son!

Hail Goddess Bhavani!

Raje!

Shields!

Khan Zamaan,

tell your master...

the lion may have fallen,

but his chhaava still prowls these forests!

We will tear the Mughal Empire apart if it dares challenge the Marathas!

We make no noise!

We swiftly hunt our prey down!

- Hail Goddess... - Bhavani!

- Hail Goddess Bhavani! - Hail Goddess Bhavani!

- Hail Goddess Bhavani! - Hail Goddess Bhavani!

- Hail Goddess Bhavani! - Hail Goddess Bhavani!

Fasten it well, Dhanaji!

It's bleeding heavily!

Uncle Yesaji, let it bleed a bit.

Every drop of blood spilled for Swarajya sanctifies this Mughal land!

Well said!

Secure, seal, and send the treasure to Raigad, Santa.

Understood, Father.

But hauling all the treasure will be a challenge.

The hunger isn't for the treasure,

but for defeating the enemy, Santa.

Aurangzeb should only see the ruins of Burhanpur!

As you wish!

- Anta? - Yes?

What's happening?

Why is our Crown Prince's favorite

Kavi Kalash dining alone here?

A poet's heart is a friend to all

He embraces blooms, birds And nature's call

He welcomes all with love to share

He's not the selfish kind

Who just decorates the air

Amazing!

How can anyone leave such a person alone?

I'm a man from the Mughal lands

living among the Marathas.

Tell me, Antaji,

why would anyone want to share a meal with me?

You have a point.

Does this not make you sad?

If the Lord is pleased

There is neither shame nor fear

After all, this Kavi Kalash's friend Is Sambhaji Shivraj!

Well said!

Aaisahib!

Aaisahib!

Aaisahib!

Yes, Shambhu?

Abasahib!

When will this smoke clear, Abasahib?

As long as the flame of Swarajya burns bright,

this smoke shall rise, Shambhu!

Crown Prince.

Uncle Hambir, please call me Shambhu.

My ears yearn to hear "Shambhu."

I see your father's image in you,

perhaps, that's why I hesitate.

And I get the strength of Abasahib and Aaisahib's blessings from you!

Even when I face a thousand enemies,

I know your eyes are always watching over me!

I am...

not as great as you make me out to be, Shambhu.

All I know is that every drop in these veins...

is ready to be sacrificed for you!

Uncle!

Let's go.

Everyone is waiting for you.