The grand historical drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, has been a force to reckon with at the domestic box office, inching ever closer to the ₹500 crore milestone. While the film has witnessed a drop in collections in its third week, it remains on track to achieve a historic feat. However, amidst its commercial success, political tensions have erupted in Maharashtra, further fueling discussions surrounding its narrative.
Chhaava’s Box Office Journey: Nearing ₹500 Crore Despite Slowdown
After a phenomenal opening week that saw the film amass ₹219.25 crore, followed by an equally strong second-week total of ₹180.25 crore, Chhaava has experienced a noticeable dip in its third weekend.
- Third Friday: ₹13 crore
- Third Saturday: ₹22 crore
- Third Sunday: ₹24.25 crore
- Third Monday: ₹8.50 crore (estimated)
So far, the film has raked in ₹67.75 crore in its third week, taking its total domestic earnings to ₹467.25 crore. With just ₹32.75 crore left to reach the ₹500 crore mark, trade analysts expect the film to cross this milestone in the coming days.
Despite this natural slowdown, the Vicky Kaushal-starrer remains a top performer, continuing to dominate the box office well into its third week. The film’s steady trajectory suggests that it could soon become one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time.
Political Controversy Erupts Over Chhaava’s Historical Narrative
While the film’s box office success continues, Chhaava has also sparked a major political storm in Maharashtra. On March 4, 2025, the first day of the state legislature’s budget session, Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Azmi triggered an intense debate by praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, calling him a “great administrator” and attributing India’s “Golden Bird” (Sone Ki Chidiya) status to his reign.
This statement sparked outrage across political circles, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde leading the condemnation. Calling Azmi’s remarks a “great sin,” Shinde demanded that a case of sedition be filed against him.
In a fiery response, Shinde stated:
“If you watch the movie Chhaava, you will get goosebumps. It showcases the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the cruelty of Aurangzeb. It is unfortunate to glorify a ruler who was responsible for such brutality.”
The Deputy CM further emphasized that Sambhaji Maharaj stood firm for his religious pride, national pride, and patriotism till his last breath. The strong reactions from the ruling party indicate that the film’s historical portrayal has struck a chord in contemporary politics.
What Makes Chhaava a Box Office Sensation?
1. Vicky Kaushal’s Powerhouse Performance
Vicky Kaushal, known for his intense and transformative roles, delivers a career-defining performance as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. His portrayal of the Maratha warrior king has received rave reviews, with many calling it his best performance to date.
2. A Riveting Historical Narrative
Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film delves into the extraordinary life and sacrifices of Sambhaji Maharaj, focusing on his valiant fight against Aurangzeb. The gripping screenplay, emotionally charged dialogues, and battle sequences have resonated strongly with audiences.
3. High-Impact Action and Cinematic Grandeur
The film boasts spectacular war sequences, immersive VFX, and historically accurate set designs, elevating it to the league of Bollywood’s biggest period dramas. The intense battle scenes and dramatic confrontations between the Marathas and Mughals have been a major audience draw.
4. Stellar Supporting Cast
Apart from Kaushal, the film features Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta, all of whom have delivered powerful performances. Their compelling portrayals further enhance the film’s emotional and dramatic impact.
5. Nationalistic and Cultural Appeal
With a strong patriotic undertone, Chhaava has particularly resonated with Maharashtrian audiences and history enthusiasts. The film has been widely embraced in Maharashtra, drawing comparisons to blockbusters like Bajirao Mastani and Tanhaji.
Chhaava’s Global Performance
While the film’s domestic success is undeniable, its overseas reception has also been impressive. Chhaava has performed exceptionally well in the USA, Canada, UAE, and Australia, reflecting the global appeal of Indian historical dramas.
Will Chhaava Enter the ₹500 Crore Club?
With just ₹32.75 crore to go, Chhaava is on the brink of entering the prestigious ₹500 crore club. While the film has seen a slight dip in collections, it continues to draw audiences in large numbers, particularly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of North India.
Trade analysts predict that with consistent weekday collections and a strong fourth weekend, Chhaava could comfortably surpass the ₹500 crore mark by the end of the week.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
