Box office: Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava sees career-best opening with Rs 31 crore in India day one

Vicky Kaushal's latest film, Chhaava, has made a remarkable impact at the Indian box office, collecting ₹31 crore on its opening day. This figure not only marks the highest first-day earnings of Kaushal's career but also positions Chhaava as one of the most successful Bollywood releases of 2025.

Advance bookings and release strategy

Prior to its release on February 14, 2025, Chhaava generated significant buzz, amassing over ₹11 crore in advance bookings. This strong pre-release interest was particularly notable in Maharashtra, contributing ₹5.67 crore to the advance sales. The film's release was strategically scheduled to coincide with Valentine's Day, aiming to capitalize on the holiday weekend. Originally set for December 6, 2024, the release was postponed to avoid clashing with other major films, ensuring a wider audience reach. 

Critical reception and controversies

While Chhaava has been lauded for its grand visuals and compelling performances, it hasn't been without controversy. Critics and audiences have raised concerns over certain historical inaccuracies, particularly a scene depicting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj dancing, which some argue misrepresents the Maratha warrior's legacy. Additionally, the omission of the term 'Hindavi Swarajya' from key dialogues has sparked debates about the film's portrayal of Maratha history. In response to these concerns, Maharashtra's Minister of Marathi Language, Uday Samant, has called for the film to be reviewed by experts before its release, emphasizing the importance of accurately representing historical figures. 

Cast and cew

Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava features a stellar cast, including Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The film's music, composed by A.R. Rahman, has also received widespread acclaim, adding depth to this historical drama.

 Despite facing controversies, Chhaava has achieved a record-breaking opening, reflecting Vicky Kaushal's growing prominence in the industry and the audience's interest in historical narratives. As the film continues its theatrical run, it will be interesting to observe how it fares amidst ongoing discussions about its historical representations