The historical drama Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, is making waves at the box office after its release on February 14, 2025, coinciding with the celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. Starring Vicky Kaushal as the titular character Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai, and Akshaye Khanna as the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the film has seen unprecedented box office success, raking in ₹31 crore on its opening day alone—the highest for any film released on Valentine's Day.
With its initial success, Chhaava has set numerous records. According to cinema tracking portal Sacnilk, Saturday’s box office report showed the film earning an additional ₹36.5 crore, bringing its total collection to ₹67.5 crore over its first two days. This impressive opening marks Vicky Kaushal’s biggest box office performance, eclipsing his previous films including URI: The Surgical Strike, which previously had the highest single-day opening for him at ₹8.2 crore.
Not only did Chhaava claim the title of the biggest opener of 2025, surpassing Akshay Kumar's Sky Force, which earned ₹15.30 crore on its debut, but it also outperformed other notable releases. The film has achieved the status of the biggest Valentine’s Day opener, breaking records previously held by films like Gully Boy and My Name Is Khan.
Utekar's direction, paired with the performances of the talented cast, has garnered the film positive reviews. The strong engagement was evidenced by high audience occupancy rates. For example, Pune saw occupancy rates as high as 89.25%, with significant audiences also recorded in cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad.
The film’s historical narrative is adapted from Shivaji Samant's Marathi novel, immersing viewers in the life and battles of Sambhaji Maharaj. The storyline resonates well with the audience, highlighting themes of valor and sacrifice, which are integral to the Maratha legacy. The substantial financial investment—reported at ₹130 crore—has begun to pay dividends as the film garners widespread attention.
Accompanying the film's success are the salary revelations of its lead actors. Vicky Kaushal earned approximately ₹10 crore for his role, claiming one-third of the film’s opening day earnings. Rashmika Mandanna obtained significantly less, approximately ₹4 crore, which is still considerable, considering her association with major hits like Puspa. Akshaye Khanna's salary, at ₹2.5 crore—amounting to just one-fifth of Vicky’s remuneration—has raised eyebrows, highlighting discrepancies within the pay scales among prominent actors.
Projected earnings suggest Chhaava may surpass the ₹100 crore mark by the end of the weekend, indicating strong potential for continued success. Following this theatrical run, the film is expected to make its OTT debut on Netflix, though the precise release date has yet to be announced. Typically, films transition to digital platforms 45 to 60 days post theatrical release, making it anticipated for early April 2025, if trends hold.
Despite its commercial success, Chhaava also faces mild criticism, with reviews ranging from overwhelmingly positive to mixed. Critics point out common tropes of historical dramas, but the film's draw seems to lie in its portrayal of powerful characters and stirring visuals, combined with A.R. Rahman’s evocative music score.
The ensemble cast, which also includes notable performances from Divya Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, and Vineet Kumar Singh, plays pivotal roles, contributing to the film’s historical authenticity. Mandanna recently expressed pride in portraying Maharani Yesubai, reflecting on the significance of her role: "I never considered someone from the south playing Maharani Yesubai. This project has expanded my horizons. She embodies strength and grace, qualities I align with deeply. It’s about breaking barriers, and I’m grateful for the opportunity." Such sentiments are echoed across the promotional materials, enhancing audience interest as they leave theaters.
With the momentum Chhaava has gained, it is poised to influence the upcoming films' box office strategies, showcasing the importance of strategic release dates and audience engagement. The historical epic is proving to be not just another film but rather a spectacle, potentially marking the beginning of several lucrative ventures surrounding historical narratives within Indian cinema.
All things considered, Chhaava is not only appealing to audiences through its narrative but also setting benchmarks for box office performances within the Indian film industry. Vicky Kaushal's return to the historical drama genre has solidified his position as one of the leading stars of his generation as he continues to deliver powerful narratives on the silver screen.