February 16, 2025
Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava continues its triumphant run at the box office, collecting ₹36.5 crore on its second day (February 15), taking its total domestic earnings to ₹67.5 crore in just two days. The film, which depicts the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is set to cross the ₹100 crore mark globally by its first weekend, cementing its place as one of 2025’s biggest hits.
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Box Office Breakdown
Released on February 14, Chhaava opened with ₹31 crore on Day 1, becoming Vicky Kaushal’s highest opener, surpassing Uri: The Surgical Strike. Day 2 saw a 17.74% growth in collections, driven by strong word-of-mouth and 50.39% occupancy in Hindi screenings. Maharashtra led the charge, with Pune theatres recording 89.25% occupancy, followed by Mumbai (74.75%). Overseas, the film has earned ₹18-19 crore, pushing its global total to ₹100 crore.
The Story Behind the Success
Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan, Chhaava is a grand adaptation of Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel Chhava. It chronicles Sambhaji Maharaj’s battles against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (played by Akshaye Khanna) and his fight to protect the Maratha Empire. The film’s ₹130 crore budget is evident in its lavish sets, authentic costumes, and A.R. Rahman’s stirring soundtrack.
Star-Studded Cast and Controversy
- Vicky Kaushal gained 25 kg and trained for months to portray Sambhaji’s physicality.
- Rashmika Mandanna plays his wife, Yesubai, with costumes featuring restored 500-year-old Paithani sarees.
- A controversial lezim dance scene involving Vicky and Rashmika sparked backlash, prompting the team to remove it after meeting with political leaders.
Historical Context: Sambhaji’s Legacy
Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, ruled from 1681 to 1689 and faced relentless Mughal invasions. The film highlights his capture by Aurangzeb’s forces in 1689, where he endured torture but refused to surrender or convert to Islam, leading to his execution. His defiance symbolizes the Maratha resistance that eventually crumbled the Mughal Empire.
Comparisons to Tanhaji and Sam Bahadur
Like Tanhaji (2020), which starred Ajay Devgn as Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, Chhaava taps into India’s pride for historical epics. For Vicky Kaushal, this film follows his critically acclaimed Sam Bahadur (2023), where he played Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
What’s Next?
With Sunday expected to boost earnings further, Chhaava could challenge Uri’s lifetime collection of ₹244.14 crore. As theatres add 6 AM and midnight shows in Maharashtra, the film’s cultural resonance continues to grow.
Final Word
Chhaava is not just a film—it’s a tribute to a warrior king whose story deserves global recognition. With gripping action, stellar performances, and historical depth, it’s a must-watch this weekend.
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