After a historic and triumphant run at the box office, Chhaava, the Vicky Kaushal-starrer period epic, is finally ready to reach audiences at home. The blockbuster film will make its OTT debut on April 11, 2025, exclusively on Netflix, allowing viewers who missed it in theatres to witness the cinematic grandeur from the comfort of their screens.
A Resounding Theatrical Success
Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced under the Maddock Films banner, Chhaava narrates the powerful and emotionally charged story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the brave Maratha warrior and son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film struck a deep chord with audiences across India, not only for its patriotic fervor but also for its high production values, strong performances, and rousing musical score.
Released in early 2025, Chhaava turned out to be one of the biggest surprise blockbusters of the year. The film saw a consistently strong theatrical performance despite stiff competition and a saturated release window. According to trade estimates, the film earned a staggering ₹275 crore net in India, making it one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year.
On the global stage, Chhaava continued to shine. Its worldwide gross surpassed ₹430 crore, proving that the legacy of the Maratha warrior resonated far beyond regional boundaries. The film received an overwhelming response from Indian diaspora audiences, especially in the US, UK, UAE, and Australia, where it held strong across multiple weekends.
A Star Is Truly Born: Vicky Kaushal Shines Bright
With Chhaava, Vicky Kaushal has cemented his place as one of India’s most bankable and versatile stars. His portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was met with critical acclaim and widespread audience appreciation. Kaushal not only embodied the physicality of the warrior prince but also captured his emotional turmoil and ideological intensity.
The performance is now widely seen as a turning point in Kaushal’s career. Though he has consistently delivered strong performances in films like Uri: The Surgical Strike, Sardar Udham, and Raazi, Chhaava has propelled him into the mainstream spotlight as a mass-action hero with pan-India appeal. His nuanced depiction of valor, duty, and sacrifice has earned him awards buzz and set a new benchmark for historical biopics.
The film also features Rashmika Mandanna, who plays Yesubai, Sambhaji Maharaj’s wife, with grace and conviction, adding emotional weight to the story.
Netflix Premiere: April 11, 2025
With its OTT debut locked for April 11, Netflix is preparing for a massive digital premiere of Chhaava. The film’s arrival on streaming is expected to garner high viewership, especially from audiences who missed it during the theatrical window. Given the film’s epic scale, powerful storytelling, and buzz-worthy performances, Netflix is positioning it as a marquee title in its April content lineup.
As reported by The Times of India (TOI), Chhaava is expected to perform exceptionally well on OTT, not only due to its theatrical momentum but also because of the strong cultural connect it offers. Historical dramas continue to enjoy a loyal digital audience, and Chhaava fits perfectly into that trend.
A Lasting Impact on Bollywood
The success of Chhaava has reaffirmed the audience’s appetite for culturally rooted, content-driven cinema. At a time when Bollywood has been grappling with finding its footing post-pandemic, the film has demonstrated that powerful stories, when backed by sincere performances and authentic direction, can still create magic on the big screen.
Moreover, the film’s victory has given a boost to Maddock Films and director Laxman Utekar, who has now proven his range in handling both slice-of-life dramas and large-scale period narratives. It also signals a shift in the type of heroes Bollywood is embracing—characters grounded in historical reality, played by actors who balance intensity with vulnerability.
Final Word
As Chhaava prepares for its next chapter on Netflix, its legacy as one of 2025’s biggest hits remains secure. The film has entertained millions, sparked conversation around Maratha history, and established a new standard for historical storytelling in mainstream Indian cinema.
Whether you’re revisiting the saga or watching it for the first time, April 11 offers the perfect opportunity to experience the might, the honor, and the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Don’t miss it.
