Vicky Kaushal's latest film, Chhaava, continues to perform exceptionally well at the box office, surpassing major milestones within just over a week of its release. This historical drama, which portrays the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has achieved remarkable box office success, reportedly nearing the ₹300 crore mark worldwide.
After recording ₹31 crore on its opening day, Chhaava enjoyed substantial growth over the weekend, bringing in ₹37 crore on Saturday and ₹48.5 crore on Sunday. Despite facing some fluctuations during the weekdays, with earnings dipping to ₹24 crore on Monday and slightly increasing to ₹32 crore on Wednesday—thanks to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti holiday—the film’s cumulative domestic earnings now stand at approximately ₹219.75 crore.
According to early figures from Sacnilk, Chhaava has already crossed ₹300 crore globally, marking it as one of the first Hindi films to achieve this feat this year. The film's domestic performance has also led it to become the second-highest grossing film for Kaushal and third-highest for co-star Rashmika Mandanna.
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised the film for bringing the history of Shivaji Maharaj to the forefront, stating, "Today is the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj... I want to thank the film's team and Vicky Kaushal for bringing the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to everyone." This recognition highlights the cultural significance of the film within Maharashtra, particularly among its viewing audience.
On the government support side, both the Goa and Madhya Pradesh governments have announced tax exemptions for Chhaava, acknowledging its cultural relevance. Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating the film is based on the significant contributions of Sambhaji Maharaj, emphasizing its inspirational narrative.
The film's success can also be attributed to its compelling performances. Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has garnered significant acclaim, adding to the excitement surrounding the film. Co-stars Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna, who portrays Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, have equally received positive feedback for their performances.
Chhaava is directed by Laxman Utekar and is adapted from the Marathi novel of the same name by Shivaji Sawant. This adaptation aims to highlight the historical figure of Sambhaji Maharaj and his valiant fight against the Mughal Empire, enriching the cinematic portrayal of this legendary ruler’s story.
The release has been strategically timed, capitalizing on the enthusiasm generated by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. The holiday coincided with the film's release and has significantly boosted its viewership, particularly across Maharashtra, Mumbai, and Pune, where the film recorded impressive occupancy rates of around 43.50% and 58.75% respectively.
Industry analysts suggest this upward trend is likely to continue, especially with the upcoming weekend prompting additional viewer turnout. Chhaava's strong box office performance reflects both the film's cultural relevance and audience support, which could help it break subsequent records.
With its straightforward narrative, grounded performances, and impactful direction, Chhaava is positioned to remain prominent at the box office. The film's combination of historical significance and entertainment value is drawing diverse audiences, ensuring its sustained success well beyond its opening week.
Overall, Chhaava stands as not just another commercial film but as a significant cultural touchstone, showcasing the bravery and sacrifices of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Its box office success signals the immense potential of historical narratives within Indian cinema.