Chhaava Makes History at the Box Office While Stirring Debate

Maharashtra- In a remarkable turn of events, the historical drama "Chhaava," featuring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has taken the box office by storm, amassing over ₹140 crore within just four days of its release on February 14, 2025. This impressive feat highlights Kaushal’s rising star power and positions "Chhaava" as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year.  

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, "Chhaava" explores the life of the Maratha warrior king, with Rashmika Mandanna playing Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna portraying the formidable Aurangzeb. The film’s advance bookings exceeded ₹11 crore even before release, reflecting strong audience anticipation.  

However, the film has not been without controversy. The trailer sparked debates over the omission of the term ‘Hindavi’ in a key dialogue and a scene showing Sambhaji Maharaj dancing, which some believe misrepresents historical facts. These creative choices have fueled discussions on how Bollywood portrays historical figures and the balance between artistic liberty and accuracy.  

Despite the debates, "Chhaava" continues to attract audiences across India, with Maharashtra contributing a major portion of its earnings. Its compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and grand visuals have struck a chord with viewers, solidifying its status as a major success.