Vicky Kaushal's historical drama film, Chhaava, has emerged as one of the most successful films of the year, on the verge of crossing the ₹400 crore mark at the box office. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film features Kaushal alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, captivating audiences with its portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
After showing solid traction since its release, Chhaava has continued to attract viewers, earning ₹398 crore domestically within just 14 days as of February 27, 2025. Daily collections show the film’s strength, with notable figures recorded on important dates such as Mahashivratri when it brought in ₹23 crore. Industry experts anticipate it will surpass the ₹400 crore milestone soon, marking another significant achievement for the filmmakers.
Since debuting, Chhaava has already become the highest-grossing historical film, outpacing the previous record held by Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. The film has performed exceptionally well, showing only an 18% drop from its opening week, which previously brought in ₹219 crore, followed by ₹179 crore in its second week.
Its success is attributed not only to its engaging storyline but also the timing of its release, which has allowed it to capitalize on significant holidays. With no major competitors arriving at theaters, especially on the weekends, Chhaava has found itself with ample opportunities to sustain and grow its earnings. According to reports, it is set to receive another boost as the film will premiere soon with Telugu dubbing, potentially increasing its audience reach, particularly within southern states.
Vicky Kaushal shared reflections on his role, stating, "There are certain characters... you feel scared, wondering if you'll be able to do justice to them. That fear... was the biggest earning from the film and that's something I will never forget." His portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj has not only been met with commercial success but has also enriched his personal and professional depth as he explored the historical and cultural significance of the character.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan, Chhaava marks another major milestone for the production house on the back of previous successes like Stree 2, which also achieved considerable box office heights. With its powerful narrative and the dedication of its cast and crew, Chhaava continues to enthrall audiences across various regions, putting it on the path to becoming one of the top films of the year.
The film has not only been pivotal for its leading actors but has also opened doors for historical narratives within the Indian film industry. This trend could signify broader opportunities in storytelling, especially appealing to viewers’ interests in rich cultural histories. With continued support from audiences and strategic planning from its producers, Chhaava is expected to break even more records, reinforcing its position both at the box office and within the cultural discourse surrounding historical films.
Looking forward, the film's upcoming Telugu premiere is anticipated to create significant momentum, as southern audiences are known for their substantial engagement with films dubbed from other languages. With substantial interest already generated, Chhaava stands poised not only to cross the ₹400 crore mark but also to explore international avenues for broader recognition.