'Chhaava', the historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, continues to dominate the Indian box office, marking Vicky Kaushal's most successful project to date.
Released on February 14, 2025, 'Chhaava' has amassed impressive earnings, reportedly crossing the ₹270 crore worldwide mark within just over one week. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film racked up ₹219.75 crore at the domestic box office by Day 7, with significant daily collections.
On its sixth day of release, the film experienced a spike due to the holiday celebrating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, earning ₹32 crore. The film’s opening week was strong, with collections peaking at ₹48.5 crore on its first Sunday, confirming the high levels of audience interest. Even on weekdays, the film consistently earned over ₹20 crore, showcasing its staying power.
By Day 8, as of afternoon shows on February 22, early estimates revealed collections nearing ₹228.69 crore. While the film experienced some expected drops on weekdays, it remained well within the ₹20 crore range—an exceptional feat for any film at this stage.
'Chhaava' has not only eclipsed the earnings of last year's notable hits such as 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' and 'Singham Again', but is also considered the first Bollywood blockbuster of 2025. Industry analysts highlighted how, unlike many earlier films this year, 'Chhaava' has provided much-needed relief to theaters and studios suffering from poor box office performances earlier this year.
The film’s celebrated cast includes the likes of Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and others, who have received acclaim alongside the film's historical narrative. The film is based on the acclaimed Marathi novel by Shivaji Sawant, adapted to screen by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and directed by Laxman Utekar.
Interestingly, the audience's excitement around 'Chhaava' has sparked calls for it to be labeled tax-free within Maharashtra, though state officials have yet to respond positively. The film has sparked considerable public interest, particularly among fans of the historical genre, and its impact is being felt across the region.
Polls and surveys conducted across social media platforms reveal widespread enthusiasm for 'Chhaava', with many moviegoers praising its storytelling and casting. Vicky Kaushal took to Instagram to express his gratitude, thanking fans for their overwhelming support and sharing their experiences of watching the film.
With its current performance, industry insiders predict 'Chhaava' will continue to rake in substantial earnings, potentially reaching the ₹300 crore mark. The coming weeks are particularly promising as there are no significant Hindi releases to challenge its dominance at the box office. While the film 'Mere Husband Ki Biwi', featuring notable stars like Arjun Kapoor, has released concurrently, it appears to be failing to make substantial headway against the juggernaut of 'Chhaava'.
Overall, 'Chhaava' has risen to prominence not just as another box office hit, but as proof of the audience’s appetite for compelling narratives grounded in rich cultural history. Bollywood has welcomed this resurgence with open arms, with hopes set on Kocha Riman’s upcoming films reviving the Hindi cinema's standing and box office share, which dwindled significantly last year.
Vicky Kaushal and his collaborators aim to keep the momentum going. Recent trends suggest 'Chhaava' appeals not only within Maharashtra, where it has performed exceptionally, but also captures audiences nationwide, including places where historical dramas have previously struggled.
With its narrative now projected to tilt favorable reviews and genuine audience excitement, 'Chhaava' positions itself as not just another film release, but as part of the reinvigoration of traditional storytelling within modern cinema.