Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama, Chhaava, has become the first blockbuster of 2025, making waves at the box office since its release on February 14. The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, has not only broken records but has also garnered significant acclaim for its storytelling and performances.
Within its first week, Chhaava grossed ₹219.25 crore net in India, with audiences flocking to theaters. The film's strong performance was propelled by its release coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, during which it earned ₹32 crore on Wednesday, following slightly lower numbers at the beginning of the week. Despite some fluctuations, the film maintained momentum, wrapping its first week with impressive earnings.
What’s remarkable is its occupancy rate, consistently above 35% on weekdays, demonstrating strong audience retention. By its eighth day, Chhaava had grossed approximately ₹242.25 crore net within India and is expected to surpass the ₹300 crore mark globally. This success not only reflects the film's wide-reaching appeal but also marks it as Vicky Kaushal's highest-grossing film to date, previously held by Uri: The Surgical Strike.
Chhaava has sparked excitement and pride among audiences and critics alike. This is amplified by the endorsement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised the film during his address at the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, stating, "Chhaava is making waves across the nation,” highlighting the film’s cultural significance.
The film features notable performances from Rashmika Mandanna, who portrays Maharani Yesubai, Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, and Diana Penty as Zinat-un-Nissa Begum. This ensemble cast has contributed to the film’s depth and richness, drawing viewers emotionally and increasing its appeal.
With tax exemptions put in place by several states, including Madhya Pradesh and Goa, Chhaava found itself more accessible to larger audiences, boosting ticket sales even more. The film's success signifies not just its artistic achievements, but also highlights the revival of Bollywood after a slow start to the year.
On the first day of its release, it amassed ₹31 crore, and the subsequent weekend saw even higher numbers—₹31 crore on its opening day, ₹37 crore on Saturday, and ₹48.5 crore on Sunday. Analysts have pointed out how Chhaava has outperformed the combined net box office collection of all other Hindi films released so far this year, which amounted to about ₹194 crore.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh highlighted the film's impact on social media, posting, "CHHAAVA wins hearts - rules box office - An outright winner..." underscoring its sensational reception.
Interestingly, the film’s strong performance has drawn attention to the resurgence of historical dramas within Indian cinema. Chhaava, showcasing the legacy and valor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, was crafted with support from seasoned filmmakers who have delivered successful period pieces before.
Despite its commercial triumph, critiques have emerged as well; some reviewers noted how the war sequences, though visually stunning, sometimes lacked emotional depth and could feel overwhelming. A few comparisons were made to previous successful period dramas, which managed to balance these elements more effectively, such as Bajirao Mastani and Jodhaa Akbar.
Nonetheless, the overwhelming audience response suggests many viewers appreciate the film’s ambitious scale and storytelling. With its current pace, it seems poised to continue its success and set additional benchmarks for the industry. The film not only benefits Kaushal's career, potentially solidifying his status as one of Bollywood's leading man, but also rekindles confidence within the film industry about the viability of large-scale releases.
Overall, Chhaava stands out as both the first notable success of 2025 and as a beacon for future projects steeped in India’s rich historical narrative, setting the stage for possible sequels and spin-offs, as audiences express their desire for more stories from this period.
With Chhaava still raking in box office contributions, its final earning figures will likely exceed expectations, creating excitement for what’s next for Kaushal and the team behind this historical epic.