Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama film Chhaava has taken the box office by storm since its release on February 14, 2025, rapidly becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. The movie has captured the attention of audiences both domestically and globally, netting significant earnings within its first week.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava explores the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the iconic warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film stars Vicky Kaushal as Sambhaji, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, who portrays his wife, Yesubai Bhonsale, and Akshaye Khanna, who takes on the role of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The casting has been well-received, allowing the film to resonate deeply with viewers.
During its opening day, Chhaava collected ₹31 crore, establishing it as one of the top historical drama openers. Over the next few days, it maintained impressive box office collections, adding ₹37 crore and ₹48.5 crore on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. By the end of its first week, the film had grossed around ₹219.25 crore net within India, as reported by Sacnilk.
Continuing to perform strongly, Chhaava earned ₹22.50 crore on its second Friday, bringing its total to ₹241 crore. With steady momentum, the film garnered nearly ₹310.50 crore worldwide, reflecting the growing appetite for Indian cinema. Vicky Kaushal expressed his gratitude on social media, posting, "Grateful to each and every one of you for celebrating the glory of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj." His heartfelt acknowledgment of the audience's support underlines the film's impact.
Critics have praised Chhaava for its engaging storytelling and strong performances. Taran Adarsh, film trade analyst and critic, remarked, "Blends history, emotions, passion, patriotism, action with finesse... #VickyKaushal terrific, cements his stature as one of the finest actors of his generation... #LaxmanUtekar triumphs as a storyteller." Such endorsements have contributed to the film's positive word-of-mouth and long-standing box office presence.
Beyond its strong earning potential, the film has sparked conversations about its representation of history. While some critics noted the film's pacing and historical liberties, others praised its cultural significance, helping rejuvenate the Hindi film industry, which has struggled against the backdrop of successful regional films.
State governments, including those of Goa and Madhya Pradesh, have granted tax-free status to Chhaava, acknowledging its patriotic narrative about Sambhaji Maharaj’s resistance to the Mughal empire. Demand for similar exemptions has surfaced from Maharashtra as well, where the film’s themes resonate more closely with audiences.
With these factors combined, Chhaava proves not only to be lucrative at the box office but also integral to cultural conversations about India’s historical narratives. Its storytelling has appealed to the masses, earning it comparisons with prior successful historical films. The film is on track to possibly surpass Uri: Surgical Strike, Kaushal's previous biggest hit, which had grossed approximately ₹342.73 crore.
Not resting on its laurels, Chhaava continues to capture audiences’ attention through its dynamic performances, historical allegories, and the exploration of legacy and honor associated with legendary figures like Sambhaji Maharaj. Its successful run invites curiosity not just about its box office performance but about how it may reshape the historical drama genre for Bollywood.
While the ultimate financial tally remains undetermined as it continues its theatrical run, Chhaava has already earned its place as one of the focal points of Indian cinema this year. With audiences rallying behind the film and industry experts weighing its historical worth, Chhaava stands as both financial triumph and cultural phenomenon, paving the way for future projects within the genre.