‘Chhaava’ Tops Indian Box Office Despite Controversy Storm
MUMBAI — “Chhaava,” a Bollywood blockbuster starring Vicky Kaushal, became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 on March 1. It hit this mark in just two weeks after its Feb. 14 release.
The movie earned ₹608.65 crore ($70 million) worldwide. Fans flocked to theaters in Maharashtra and beyond. Yet, debates over historical accuracy stirred up trouble. This mix of success and strife makes “Chhaava” a standout story.
The film tells the tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a 17th-century Maratha king. Directed by Laxman Utekar, it blends action with history. It opened big, pulling in ₹33.10 crore on day one in India. By its second weekend, it crossed ₹400 crore domestically. That put it ahead of Telugu hit “Sankranthiki Vasthunam” at ₹252 crore. Posts on X buzzed with praise, calling it a “box office tsunami.” But not everyone cheered. Critics slammed it for twisting facts about Sambhaji’s life. The Shirke family, tied to figures in the story, threatened a ₹100 crore lawsuit. They claimed it painted their ancestors as traitors.
Despite the backlash, “Chhaava” kept climbing. It raked in ₹528.05 crore in India and ₹80.60 crore overseas. Maharashtra led the charge, with fans packing theaters for its local hero. The state even made it tax-free, boosting ticket sales. On Feb. 19, it earned ₹33 crore on Shivaji Jayanti, a holiday there. Utekar apologized for any hurt caused, saying, “We didn’t mean to upset anyone.” He stressed the film avoids naming specific families or villages. Still, the controversy didn’t dent its draw. It outdid Vicky Kaushal’s past hit “Uri: The Surgical Strike” at ₹342 crore. It also beat out Oscar-nominated films like “The Brutalist” globally.
The movie’s rise isn’t just about numbers. It’s a Hindi film from Bollywood, not a pan-Indian project like “RRR.” That sets it apart in a year when southern films like “Pushpa 2” shone bright. Made for ₹130 crore to ₹140 crore, it’s now an “all-time blockbuster,” per trade analysts. A. R. Rahman’s music and grand battle scenes won over crowds. Yet, reviews were mixed, with a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some called it “half-baked” history. Others gave it four stars for effort. The Central Board of Film Certification tweaked some scenes, like warriors in sarees, before release. Even so, “Chhaava” tapped into pride for Sambhaji, a revered Maratha figure.
What’s next for “Chhaava”? It’s set to release in Telugu due to demand. That could push its earnings past ₹700 crore worldwide. The buzz might spark more historical films in Bollywood, despite the risks. For now, it’s a win for Vicky Kaushal and Maddock Films. It shows big bets can pay off, even with storms brewing. Fans are already eyeing its final tally. Could it crack India’s top 10 highest-grossing films? The answer lies in the weeks ahead.