One of the most defining traits of a great actor is their ability to display a wide range of emotions. Another important quality is how well they interact with their co-stars. However, the most compelling sign of an exceptional performer is their capacity to be so convincing in a role that audiences fail to see the actor behind the character.
This was precisely the case while watching Chhaava. As the film ended and the credits rolled, the name Akshaye Khanna appeared on screen, leaving me puzzled. I had completely missed the promotional material that revealed he was portraying the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Akshaye Khanna, known for his impressive acting prowess, delivered a subtle yet powerful performance as Aurangzeb, a ruler who valued kingship over kinship and had no hesitation in eliminating family members to retain power. His quiet yet menacing presence was the perfect foil to Vicky Kaushal’s intense and war-driven portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Aurangzeb has long been a captivating figure in Indian cinema, much like the Mughal Empire itself. The grandeur of its courts, decorated with intricate ornaments, rich golden and crimson drapes, and vast, lush gardens, has often inspired filmmakers to reimagine this historical period. Over the years, emperors have been depicted in various lights—from the stern and disciplined Akbar in Mughal-e-Azam (1960) to the romantic and visionary Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar (2008).
Chhaava continues this tradition by presenting yet another cinematic perspective on Mughal history, this time centered on one of its most feared emperors. As one of the most controversial figures in Indian history, Aurangzeb has been portrayed in different shades, ranging from a ruthless despot to a calculated strategist.
Several historical dramas have depicted Aurangzeb’s reign, which spanned nearly five decades from 1658 to 1707. He took the throne by imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan, and ordering the execution of his elder brother. In Shyam Benegal’s acclaimed TV series Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), Om Puri gave a remarkable performance as a proud and imperious Aurangzeb, perfectly embodying the character’s complexities.
Actor Ashutosh Rana, who plays Hombirrao Mohite, Sambhaji’s uncle in Chhaava, also took on the role of Aurangzeb in MX Player’s 2021 web series Chhatrasal. This 20-episode historical drama chronicled Maharaja Chhatrasal’s struggle for Bundelkhand, and Rana delivered a chilling performance as a merciless usurper.
Reflecting on the challenges of portraying historical figures, Rana once remarked, “The biggest challenge in playing a historical character is that people have already read about that character and have formed his/her image in their head. An actor never knows of that image, so meeting that expectation of the audience is tough.”
He further elaborated that an actor must capture not only the physical presence of a historical figure but also their emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions. “All that needs to be done is to get the psyche of a character right,” he explained. Before stepping into Aurangzeb’s shoes, he sought to understand the ruler’s core nature and instincts.
In Marathi television, Yatin Karyekar earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Aurangzeb in Swarajya Saudamini Tararani and Raja Shivchhatrapati, proving that the character continues to captivate audiences across different platforms.
In Chhaava, Akshaye Khanna presents Aurangzeb as both formidable and composed. While the film primarily revolves around Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s courage and resilience, Akshaye ensures that Aurangzeb is more than a one-dimensional antagonist. Instead, he captures the emperor’s calculated brutality with a measured performance. His silence alone conveys an overwhelming sense of menace.
Even after leaving the theater, one cannot help but appreciate Akshaye’s ability to emote through facial expressions rather than dialogue, especially when considering the film’s otherwise unimpressive lines. His performance proves that sometimes, less is more.
One particularly chilling moment involves Diana Penty as Zinatunissa, Aurangzeb’s fearless daughter, who delivers a monotonous dialogue about Sambhaji resisting their torture. Meanwhile, Akshaye does something far more powerful—he merely munches on grapes and subtly signals for Sambhaji’s eyes to be targeted next. This quiet but ruthless gesture sends shivers down the spine, making the audience wonder what horrors will unfold next.
Even three centuries after his death, Aurangzeb remains a figure of intrigue in Indian historical dramas, frequently portrayed as a tyrant, a religious zealot, or a ruthless ruler who prioritized power above all else. Many actors have taken on this complex role, yet Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal in Chhaava stands out as one of the most compelling in Indian cinema.
Ironically, Vicky Kaushal was originally set to play Aurangzeb in Karan Johar’s now-shelved film Takht. However, fate had other plans, paving the way for Akshaye Khanna to deliver a masterclass in restraint. His greatest strength lies in his quiet authority, which is evident in Chhaava’s opening sequence. Rather than reacting emotionally to the news of Shivaji Maharaj’s death, Aurangzeb surprises both his courtiers and the audience by coldly declaring state-wide celebrations.
Akshaye’s Aurangzeb lingers in the mind long after the film ends, proving that the most terrifying rulers do not need to shout or rage—they simply need to exist.
