Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama Chhaava is set to make its highly anticipated OTT debut on Netflix on April 11, 2025, following a remarkable theatrical run that has solidified its place in Hindi cinema history. The announcement was made via Netflix's Instagram account, which shared a captivating poster with the message: “Aale Raje aale. Witness a tale of courage and glory etched in time. Watch Chhaava, out 11 April on Netflix.”
Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films, Chhaava has emerged as one of the biggest successes in Hindi cinema, grossing an impressive ₹804.85 crore worldwide. The film has also achieved a domestic net earning of ₹599.2 crore, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan to become the third-highest-grossing Hindi film ever.
In its first week alone, Chhaava earned ₹219.25 crore, followed by ₹180.25 crore in the second week, ₹84.05 crore in the third week, and ₹55.95 crore in the fourth week. Vicky Kaushal, who portrayed the valiant Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, expressed his gratitude for the film's success, stating, “Playing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was an honour beyond words and one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.”
The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai, Akshaye Khanna as the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Ashutosh Rana, Vineet Kumar Singh, Divya Dutta, Neil Bhoopalam, and Diana Penty in pivotal roles. The performances have received widespread acclaim for their emotional depth and intensity.
The soundtrack of Chhaava, composed by Oscar-winner A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, has played a crucial role in enhancing the film’s narrative and emotional impact. Producer Dinesh Vijan shared his excitement about the film’s global release, stating, “Chhaava has been a labour of love and an emotional journey for all of us. We are passionate about telling stories that matter; stories that leave a mark. Chhaava is not just a tale of courage, it’s a celebration of legacy, resilience, and sacrifice.”
Despite its massive success, Chhaava has faced challenges, particularly regarding piracy. On March 20, a complaint was filed by Rajat Rahul Haksar, CEO of August Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., on behalf of Maddock Films, reporting that the film had been illegally shared through over 1,800 internet links. This unauthorized distribution poses a serious threat to the film's earnings and raises concerns about content protection in the digital age.
As the film gears up for its digital premiere, Vicky Kaushal emphasized the importance of sharing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's story with a wider audience. He remarked, “His courage, resilience, and legacy are something that should reach every corner of the world. With Netflix, we're ensuring that his story not only penetrates deeper in India, but also gets the global platform it deserves.”
After a successful theatrical run, Chhaava is now poised to reach even more viewers through its streaming release. As it stands, the film is just ₹50 lakh away from entering the ₹600 crore club, with a current India net of ₹599.55 crore. It is expected to cross this milestone soon, making it 2025's first and India's seventh film to do so.
Set in the 17th century, Chhaava revolves around the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his struggle to establish his father's vision of Swarajya against the Aurangzeb-led Mughal dynasty. The film has been praised for its powerful performances and gripping storytelling, marking a significant moment in the portrayal of historical narratives in Indian cinema.
As the film continues to captivate audiences, it also had a Telugu release on March 7, 2025, which earned approximately ₹2.25 crore on its first day. This expansion reflects the film's popularity and the demand for its story across different linguistic audiences.
In summary, Chhaava not only stands out as a box office triumph but also as a cultural milestone, showcasing the legacy of a revered historical figure. With its upcoming release on Netflix, it promises to inspire and entertain a global audience, ensuring that the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj continues to resonate with viewers far and wide.
