Vicky Kaushal’s much-anticipated historical drama Chhaava has taken the box office by storm, setting new records for the actor and cementing its place as one of the biggest openings of 2025. The film, which delves into the life and struggles of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has not only resonated with audiences but has also emerged as a strong contender for long-term box office success.
Record-Breaking Opening Day
According to early estimates, Chhaava movie box office collection raked in a massive ₹31 crore on its first day, making it the highest opening ever for Vicky Kaushal. This success is attributed to strong advance bookings (₹12.7 crore pre-release), excellent word-of-mouth, and high occupancy rates (averaging 35.17% on opening day, peaking at 40.51% in the evening). The film is now poised for a strong weekend, but the real test will be its Monday performance, particularly outside the Mumbai circuit.
Chhaava Movie Reviews: Audience and Critical Reception
The film has received overwhelmingly positive responses from both audiences and critics. Many have praised Vicky Kaushal’s performance, calling it his career-best. The portrayal of historical events has also been appreciated, with critics highlighting its authenticity and emotional depth.
Overseas Business Adds to Success
The Chhaava movie box office collection is also performing exceptionally well in the overseas market, with estimates suggesting a near $1 million opening day collection. This is particularly impressive for a Maharashtra-centric film that, based on trailers, does not heavily focus on a romantic subplot. Once again, this marks the best overseas debut for Vicky Kaushal.
The Story of Chhaava: A Historical Epic
At its heart, Chhaava is a gripping historical epic that chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film explores his fierce battles for Swaraj, his resistance against the Mughal empire—especially Aurangzeb—and the challenges he faced throughout his reign. Based on the Marathi novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant, the film stays true to history while offering audiences an engaging cinematic experience.
The performances have been widely praised, with Vicky Kaushal delivering a career-defining role as Sambhaji Maharaj. Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb has also been lauded for its intensity and depth. The film’s historical reference and powerful storytelling have been key factors in its strong audience reception.
The Hard Work Behind the Film
The success of Chhaava is not just about its box office numbers—it is also a testament to the dedication of its cast and crew.
- Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj: The actor underwent rigorous physical training, gained weight, and mastered traditional martial arts to do justice to his role.
- Deep Character Immersion: Kaushal studied historical texts and records to bring authenticity to Sambhaji Maharaj’s character.
- On-Set Rivalry: To maintain the intensity of their on-screen conflict, Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna (Aurangzeb) avoided any interaction off-camera.
- Director’s Unique Approach: Chhaava movie director Laxman Utekar ensured that Kaushal and Khanna’s first meeting on set happened in character, creating a powerful and realistic confrontation scene.
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What’s Next for Chhaava?
With an explosive start and a promising weekend ahead, Chhaava is on track to become one of the biggest hits of the year. However, its sustainability will depend on how well it holds up after Monday. If it continues to perform well outside Maharashtra and internationally, it could be one of Vicky Kaushal’s defining films.
For now, Chhaava movie box office collection has not only shattered records but has also given Indian cinema a powerful and inspiring portrayal of one of history’s most revered warriors. Fans and critics alike eagerly await to see how far this epic journey will go.
