As 2025 began, Bollywood enthusiasts eagerly awaited the release of Chhava, with many predicting it would become the biggest film of the year. The trailer had already generated immense excitement, and Vicky Kaushal’s dedication to his role as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was evident. His intense preparation and transformation for the character hinted that Chhava could be a milestone in his career—and the film’s initial performance at the box office suggests just that.
Chhava’s Phenomenal Box Office Debut
Vicky Kaushal’s Chhava has delivered an electrifying performance at the box office right from its opening day. According to reports from Sacknilk, the film amassed an impressive net collection of approximately ₹31 crore on its first day in India. While these figures are yet to be finalized, this achievement makes Chhava the highest-opening film of the year so far, surpassing expectations and setting new benchmarks.
In a remarkable feat, Chhava also outperformed Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force, which had earned ₹12 crore on its opening day. Interestingly, both movies were produced by Maddock Films, but Chhava has clearly emerged as the audience favorite. The film’s reception in Maharashtra has been extraordinary, with almost all shows running at full capacity. In Mumbai alone, Chhava was screened 1,305 times on its first day, with a staggering 88% occupancy rate for night shows. In contrast, Delhi saw 1,292 shows with a significantly lower 47% occupancy rate.
Beating Tanhaji: A New Record for Period Dramas
Before the pandemic, Ajay Devgn’s period drama Tanhaji had captivated audiences and dominated the box office. The film was a massive success, winning hearts with its gripping storytelling and action-packed sequences. However, Chhava has now surpassed Tanhaji in terms of first-day earnings. While Tanhaji collected ₹15.10 crore on its opening day, Chhava has managed to double that figure, solidifying its position as one of the biggest period dramas in Bollywood.
Both films explore Maratha history, with Tanhaji narrating the story of Tanaji Malusare and featuring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while Chhava focuses on his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This new historical epic has now become the highest opener in Vicky Kaushal’s career, surpassing his previous film Bad Newz, which had earned ₹8.62 crore on its first day.
A Proud Moment for Vicky Kaushal’s Career
Vicky Kaushal’s dedication to Chhava has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his hard work has been rewarded with record-breaking box office numbers. His father, renowned action director Sham Kaushal, expressed his gratitude and joy on social media, writing, “God is kind. Thank you for showering so much love on Chhava and making it a blockbuster. Rab Rakha.”
Critics and audiences alike have praised Vicky’s performance. In its review, Aaj Tak highlighted his commitment and intensity in bringing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life. His immersive portrayal of the legendary warrior has resonated deeply with viewers, further boosting the film’s appeal.
What Lies Ahead for Chhava?
With such a phenomenal start, all eyes are now on Chhava’s future performance. Will it continue to break records in the coming weeks? The overwhelming response from Maharashtra and other regions indicates that the film is poised for long-term success.
Given the strong word of mouth and increasing demand, trade analysts predict that Chhava will maintain its momentum and may even enter the ₹100 crore club within its opening weekend. If the film sustains its box office dominance, it could go on to become one of the biggest Bollywood hits of 2025.
Vicky Kaushal has truly outdone himself, and Chhava has set a new benchmark for historical films in Indian cinema. As audiences continue to flock to theaters, the film’s journey is only just beginning. Stay tuned to see what new milestones Chhava achieves in the coming days!
