Mumbai, March 04, 2025 – Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama Chhaava continues its impressive run at the Indian box office, inching closer to the coveted Rs 500 crore mark as it enters its third week. The film, which portrays the valor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, earned an estimated Rs 8.5 crore net on its 18th day, bringing its total domestic collection to Rs 467.25 crore, according to early estimates from industry tracker Sacnilk. With no major releases challenging its dominance, Chhaava remains a strong contender at the ticket window.
Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films, Chhaava has shattered expectations since its theatrical debut on February 14, 2025. The film opened with Rs 31 crore, marking Vicky Kaushal’s biggest career opener, and crossed Rs 219.25 crore in its first week alone. The second week added Rs 180.25 crore, bolstered by strong weekend performances, while the third week has already shown resilience with Rs 47 crore collected over the weekend (Day 15–17). On Day 18, a Monday, the film saw a natural dip to Rs 8.5 crore but maintained a steady 12.71% occupancy in Hindi markets, with Pune leading at 22%, followed by Chennai (17%) and Mumbai (16%).
Industry analysts attribute Chhaava’s sustained success to its gripping narrative, Kaushal’s powerful performance, and a lack of significant competition. The film has outperformed several Bollywood giants, including Baahubali: The Beginning (Rs 421 crore), Dangal (Rs 387.38 crore), and Sanju (Rs 342.57 crore), and is now poised to join the elite Rs 500 crore club domestically. Globally, it has already surpassed Rs 600 crore, with overseas earnings estimated at Rs 77 crore as of Day 17, per Sacnilk.
The film’s cultural resonance, particularly in Maharashtra, has been a key driver. Based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second Maratha ruler who fiercely resisted Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Chhaava has struck a chord with audiences. Featuring Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale, Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, and a robust ensemble including Ashutosh Rana and Divya Dutta, the movie has garnered praise for its historical depiction and emotional depth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently lauded it during a speech at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, saying, “Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai,” highlighting its nationwide impact.
However, the film hasn’t been without controversy. On March 3, during Maharashtra’s budget session, a political row erupted when Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi praised Aurangzeb as a “great administrator,” prompting Deputy CM Eknath Shinde to demand sedition charges. Shinde referenced Chhaava, stating, “If you watch the movie, you will get goosebumps,” emphasizing Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery against Aurangzeb’s alleged cruelty. This debate has kept the film in the spotlight, potentially boosting its third-week performance.
Looking ahead, Chhaava is set for a Telugu release on March 7, following high demand, which could further elevate its earnings. With projections suggesting it may surpass Padmaavat’s Rs 571.98 crore global gross, trade experts believe it could cement its status as 2025’s highest-grossing Indian film. For Vicky Kaushal, Chhaava is a career-defining triumph, eclipsing his previous hit Uri: The Surgical Strike (Rs 244.14 crore).
The Time Press will continue to track Chhaava’s box office journey as it nears the Rs 500 crore milestone and beyond.
