Bollywood’s latest sensation, Chhaava, starring the dynamic Vicky Kaushal, has taken the box office by storm, crossing the coveted ₹100 crore mark in a mere three days since its release. This historical epic, which hit theaters on Valentine’s Day 2025, has not only captivated audiences but also solidified Kaushal’s reputation as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. As of February 16, 2025, early estimates indicate the film raked in an impressive ₹33.37 crore on its third day, showcasing its unyielding momentum despite a slight dip from its weekend highs.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is a grand retelling of the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant Maratha warrior and son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Kaushal steps into the shoes of this historical titan, delivering a performance that has been lauded as both fierce and nuanced, cementing his versatility across genres. The film’s opening day saw it mint ₹31 crore, making it the biggest opener of 2025, surpassing even Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force. Day two added a robust ₹37 crore to its tally, and with Sunday’s ₹33.37 crore, Chhaava has already amassed over ₹101 crore domestically, with global collections soaring past ₹130 crore, including a strong overseas performance of ₹10 crore in just two days.
What makes Chhaava’s success even more remarkable is its ability to break records while facing stiff competition. Released alongside Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World, the film has outperformed expectations, proving that a well-crafted historical drama with cultural resonance can hold its own against global franchises. Its Valentine’s Day debut also shattered previous records for the holiday, eclipsing Ranveer Singh’s Gully Boy, which earned ₹19.40 crore on its opening day in 2019. In fact, Chhaava has set a new benchmark for Vicky Kaushal’s career, surpassing the opening day collections of his previous hits like Uri: The Surgical Strike (₹8.20 crore) and Bad Newz (₹8.30 crore), and marking his fastest entry into the ₹100 crore club.
The film’s appeal lies not just in its star power but in its meticulous production values and emotional depth. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Chhaava boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai, Akshaye Khanna as the formidable Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and seasoned actors like Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta in pivotal roles. The score, composed by the maestro A.R. Rahman, has been praised for elevating the film’s grandeur, while the cinematography captures the raw intensity of Maratha warfare and the tender moments of personal sacrifice. Adapted from Shivaji Sawant’s acclaimed Marathi novel, the film balances historical reverence with cinematic flair, though some critics have noted its tendency to lean into “superherofication” at the expense of nuanced storytelling.
The numbers tell a story of their own. On its opening day, Chhaava recorded a 42.02% occupancy rate for its Hindi 2D version, with evening and night shows peaking at 62.55%. The film’s stronghold has been Maharashtra, particularly in cities like Pune, where it achieved an astonishing 89.25% occupancy on day two, reflecting the region’s deep cultural connection to the Maratha legacy. Mumbai followed closely with 74.75% occupancy, while other metros like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru also showed strong turnouts. This regional dominance, combined with positive word-of-mouth, has fueled speculation that Chhaava could challenge the lifetime collections of Kaushal’s biggest hit, Uri: The Surgical Strike, which grossed ₹244.14 crore domestically.
However, the film’s journey hasn’t been without scrutiny. While audiences have embraced its patriotic fervor and Kaushal’s “electrifying” performance, some reviews have critiqued its editing and its occasional lapse into melodrama, suggesting it prioritizes mass appeal over historical depth. Additionally, the film faced pre-release controversy, with descendants of Sambhaji Maharaj questioning certain creative liberties, particularly in its portrayal of the king’s life. Despite these challenges, Chhaava has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, resonating with audiences who see it as a celebration of valor and heritage.
As Chhaava heads into its crucial first week, all eyes are on its weekday performance. With a reported budget of ₹130 crore, the film is already on track to be a commercial success, but its ability to maintain momentum post-weekend will determine if it can join the elite ranks of Bollywood’s all-time blockbusters. For Vicky Kaushal, this film marks a significant milestone, not just in terms of box office numbers but in showcasing his evolution from a critically acclaimed actor to a bona fide box office draw. With upcoming projects like Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, Kaushal’s star is only rising higher.
So, grab your tickets and witness the roar of Chhaava—a film that’s not just rewriting box office records but also rekindling pride in India’s storied past. Will it surpass Uri to become Kaushal’s biggest hit? Only time will tell, but for now, Bollywood has a new king at the box office, and his name is Vicky Kaushal.