Vicky Kaushal's latest movie, Chhaava, has caused quite a sensation at the box office,
going to prove that a solid storyline, remarkable performances, and action of a historical kind can still attract audiences. Despite the mixed reviews from the critics, the film has surprised the industry, breaking all previous records and creating new ones.
A Grand Opening
Chhaava earned ₹31 crore (nett) across all languages on day one, the highest opening of 2025 to date. The film's record-breaking run has placed it at the top of the box office, surpassing not only its own opening expectations but also those of others in the fray, as per trade tracker Sacnilk.
A Milestone for Vicky Kaushal
For Vicky Kaushal, this movie is a personal milestone. His portrayal of the legendary Maratha king, Sambhaji Maharaj, has not just been highly discussed but also broken his own personal highest box office record. His last highest opener was Uri: The Surgical Strike, which had collected ₹8.20 crore on the first day. Chhaava has surpassed it by a huge margin, becoming his highest-grossing film at the box office to date.
Additionally, the film has fared better than Akshay Kumar's Sky Force, which had earned ₹15.30 crore in its opening week, and Chhaava becomes the highest-opening debut of 2025 so far.
A Historic Valentine's Day Success
In another record-shattering act, Chhaava has shattered the record of the highest opening collection of an Indian film on Valentine's Day. Gully Boy (2019) held it previously at ₹19.40 crore, but Chhaava exceeded expectations to collect a robust ₹31 crore. This not only says a lot about the film's popularity but also the massive fan following of its actors and the historical theme that it deals with.
The film also saw steady occupancy on the first day, with 42.02% occupancy in Hindi. The numbers improved as the day progressed, with morning shows at 30.51% and evening shows improving to a high of a very good 62.55%.
Star Cast and Production Values
Chhaava is an action historical drama that delves deep into the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the dauntless son of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under his banner Maddock Films, the movie boasts of an ensemble star cast that includes Vicky Kaushal playing the titular role, Rashmika Mandanna playing Maharani Yesubai, Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, and Ashutosh Rana as Sarsenapati Hambirao Mohite.
The production values are top-notch, with a taut script and music by the legendary A.R. Rahman. The film is based on Shivaji Sawant's Marathi novel Chhava and brings to life the tribulations and triumphs of the Maratha Empire, making it a visual as much as emotional extravaganza.
Challenges with Piracy
While the film is playing to full houses in cinemas, piracy has not spared it. Despite a record advance booking of nearly 5 lakh tickets on its first day, Chhaava is already available on piracy websites such as Filmyzilla and Tamilrockers. The film, which was produced over a span of over a year at a cost of ₹110 crore, is now available for download in different resolutions, eating into its box office collection chances.
Rashmika Mandanna's Portrayal of Maharani Yesubai
One of the highlights of Chhaava is Rashmika Mandanna's portrayal of Maharani Yesubai, the elegant yet fiery queen of the Maratha Empire. A well-known face in South Indian cinema, Rashmika admits that landing the role was a surprise as she never imagined playing a historical figure such as Yesubai. Reflecting on the experience, Rashmika detailed how grateful she was for the opportunity, explaining that portraying a real historical character was a totally different challenge for her.
In an emotional Instagram post, Rashmika admired Maharani Yesubai, writing, "She is fierce, she is powerful, she is graceful – she is a true queen." Though initially overwhelmed by the legacy of the character, Rashmika was able to heavily identify with the strength and love of the queen, which personally connected with her.
Rashmika also talked about the journey that led her to this role. She recalled the first meeting she had with director Laxman Utekar, who had approached her after seeing her in Mimi. "I did not know why they approached me, I did not know what was going on… When I listened to the narration, I was confused, shocked, but also thankful," she said.
The Challenges of Playing a Historical Figure
As a first-time biographical actor, Rashmika admitted that it was scary to play a historical figure like Yesubai. "There's nothing of Rashmika in her," she said, referring to the necessity of bringing the character's real personality onto the screen without compromising the originality of the character. For Rashmika, it was a dream realized to step into the shoes of a real-life queen, and she considers herself lucky to have gotten to portray this iconic character on the silver screen.
The Future of 'Chhaava' and Its Impact
With its strong opening, Chhaava has set the benchmark for future releases in 2025, indicating the audience's enthusiasm for historical action films. The film's success is not just a victory for Vicky Kaushal or Rashmika Mandanna but for the Indian film industry as a whole, as it continues to shatter boundaries and deliver interesting content that transcends cultures and generations.
In short, Chhaava has made an unforgettable impression at the box office with record collections and a star-studded cast. The movie's trajectory, from overcoming piracy threats to conquering the heart of the audience, is a testament to the power of storytelling and its creators' persistence. With power-packed performances from Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, Chhaava will be an unforgettable movie in 2025.
