"Chhaava," the historical drama starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has made waves in Bollywood since its release on February 14, 2025. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, this film brings the Maratha warrior king’s story to life with a mix of action and emotion. By February 20, 2025, "Chhaava" has earned over ₹228.85 crore worldwide in just five days, marking it as the first Hindi film of the year to cross ₹200 crore.

Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji has been widely celebrated, with his fierce intensity and emotional depth shining in the film’s battle scenes and heartfelt climax. Fans on X have dubbed it a “powerhouse performance,” highlighting his range. Rashmika Mandanna, as Maharani Yesubai, Sambhaji’s steadfast wife, adds depth with her poised yet spirited role. Her portrayal of Yesubai’s resilience in the face of adversity has resonated deeply with viewers. Akshaye Khanna’s chilling Aurangzeb rounds out the impressive ensemble.

Financially, "Chhaava" kicked off with a strong ₹31 crore on its opening day—Kaushal’s biggest debut yet—and raced past ₹100 crore over the first weekend. Made on a reported budget of ₹130 crore, the film has already shown promising returns, especially in Maharashtra, where theaters in Mumbai and Pune hit over 90% occupancy due to regional pride. Despite a slight weekday drop, its steady run points to a healthy box office journey ahead. "Chhaava" blends history and storytelling into a compelling cinematic experience.