By ‘Chhaava’ Day 1 Box Office: Vicky Kaushal Delivers 2025’s Biggest Opening with ₹31 Crore in India
This Valentine’s Day witnessed the arrival of Chhaava, a film that embodies courage, unwavering dedication to Indian soil, and the dream of Swaraj. Directed by Laxman Utekar and headlined by Vicky Kaushal, the film has taken the box office by storm, earning the title of the biggest Bollywood opening of 2025.
According to Sacnilk, Chhaava raked in an impressive ₹31 crores (nett) in India on its first day, setting a new benchmark for the year. Previously, Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force held the record with ₹15.30 crores, but Chhaava has nearly doubled that figure, firmly securing its position as the new box-office champion.
The film’s occupancy rate on February 14 was 42.02%, reflecting its strong reception among audiences. The morning shows recorded a 30.51% turnout, which steadily increased to 34.50% in the afternoon, 40.51% in the evening, and peaked at 62.55% during night screenings. This remarkable upward trend showcases the audience’s growing enthusiasm for the film.
In addition to its record-breaking opening, Chhaava has also achieved a personal milestone for its lead actor, Vicky Kaushal. The film now stands as his highest opener to date, surpassing his previous hit films in terms of first-day collections:
- Bad Newz – ₹8.30 crore
- Uri: The Surgical Strike – ₹8.20 crore
- Sam Bahadur – ₹6.25 crore
With these numbers, Chhaava has cemented itself not only as a major success in 2025 but also as a turning point in Vicky Kaushal’s career, showcasing his growing box office appeal.
Chhaava is a historical action drama based on the life of Maratha king Sambhaji, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s greatest leaders and warriors. The film is adapted from the highly regarded Marathi novel of the same name, written by Shivaji Sawant, which has been celebrated for its detailed and gripping storytelling.
The film stars Vicky Kaushal in the titular role of Sambhaji, bringing to life the warrior’s resilience, leadership, and sacrifices. Rashmika Mandanna plays Maharani Yesubai, adding emotional depth to the narrative. The movie also features an ensemble cast, including Ashutosh Rana as Sarsenapati Hambirao Mohite, Akshaye Khanna as the formidable Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and Divya Dutta as Soyarabai.
Chhaava brings forth the tale of a leader who fought relentlessly to protect his people and preserve his father’s legacy. Through intense battle sequences, emotionally charged moments, and a powerful narrative, the film aims to capture the essence of Sambhaji Maharaj’s journey.
The film has received widespread appreciation from both audiences and critics. Fans have lauded Vicky Kaushal’s performance, praising his transformation into the legendary Maratha warrior. The grandeur of the film’s visuals, detailed production design, and powerful battle sequences have also been highly praised.
However, while Chhaava has struck a chord with audiences, some critics have pointed out certain storytelling drawbacks. ETimes, in its review, highlighted the film’s grand scale and larger-than-life appeal but noted a few pacing issues:
“Director Laxman Utekar crafts this historical epic on a massive canvas, ensuring that the film carries the weight and grandeur of its subject matter. The opening sequence sets the stage with an impressive slow-motion entry, but as the film progresses, the first half lacks an engaging narrative beyond its reverence for the character. At times, it feels like a collection of action scenes and songs rather than a fluid story. However, AR Rahman’s powerful background score and songs elevate the experience, filling in where the story and dialogues occasionally fall short.”
Despite these minor criticisms, Chhaava has managed to strike an emotional chord with audiences. The film’s action-packed sequences, emotionally driven performances, and historical significance have made it a must-watch.
With such a strong opening, Chhaava is expected to maintain its momentum in the coming days. Given the growing word of mouth and positive audience reactions, the film has the potential to achieve impressive weekend collections and establish itself as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
The film’s ability to blend historical authenticity with mainstream entertainment has proven to be a winning formula. As Chhaava continues its theatrical run, all eyes are on whether it will sustain its box office dominance and break further records.
With Vicky Kaushal delivering one of his most memorable performances, Laxman Utekar making a strong mark as a director in the historical drama genre, and a compelling story that resonates with the audience, Chhaava is poised to be a defining film in contemporary Bollywood cinema.
