If anyone thought period dramas were losing steam, Chhaava just proved the opposite. Directed by Laxman Utekar, this epic film swings the spotlight back on India’s rich history with the epic tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. With Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, and Rashmika Mandanna leading the cast, Chhaava has powered its way past the ₹250 crore barrier at the Indian box office. That isn’t just a neat milestone—it’s the biggest achievement for any Indian movie in 2025 so far, outperforming even heavyweights like Pushpa 2: The Rule and Housefull 5.
Maharashtra, the land where Sambhaji once ruled, became the heartbeat of the film’s success. Audiences there packed theaters for over 50 days, often with screenings running around the clock. Extended 24-hour shows kept momentum high, and the result? A jaw-dropping ₹599.95 crore net in India, with a worldwide total pushing ₹801.90 crore. That kind of smash hit doesn’t happen often, but Chhaava did it while going up against big new releases every weekend.
So, what made Chhaava such a sensation? First, it’s the magnetic draw of Vicky Kaushal in the role of Sambhaji Maharaj. Audiences got to see him like never before—commanding, intense, and deeply rooted in Maratha legacy. Add in the ensemble with Akshaye Khanna’s gravitas and Rashmika Mandanna’s screen presence, and you’ve got a cast that’s tough to ignore.
But it’s not just about the stars. Chhaava’s story gave moviegoers something different—a slice of history with real stakes. In a year where 17 films cleared ₹100 crore, Chhaava was the only one people called a true blockbuster. Over 27.5 million tickets sold in just weeks shows how hard the film hit a chord. Fans lined up even into mid-March, well beyond the usual post-release drop.
The film’s impact stretched far beyond the theater walls. Analysts tracking the industry saw a staggering 14% jump in India’s box office revenue for the first half of 2025, reaching over ₹5,723 crore. Chhaava was a key reason for the surge, signaling that audiences are eager for big stories that aren’t just about spectacle, but substance too.
Looking at the numbers, Chhaava’s record-breaking journey wasn’t a fluke; it was the clearest sign yet that franchises alone don’t dominate—good storytelling wrapped in powerful history still rules hearts. The film’s extended run, topped off by reports of strong collections day after day, shows just how much people were willing to invest in seeing something new, yet tied to roots they care about.
Chhaava might have started as just another film in a crowded February. But it leaves a mark as 2025’s highest-grossing, best-loved Indian blockbuster—one people will remember for a long time, especially those waiting for Bollywood’s next big historical epic.
