Record-Breaking Debut: 'Chhaava' Takes Box Office by Storm with Highest Opening of 2025
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Chhaava Smashes Records at Box Office
The release of Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, has been nothing short of a sensation at the box office. With a strong starring line-up featuring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, the film tells the gripping tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Its debut has truly been momentous, raking in an astounding ₹31.00 Cr India net on its very first day. This figure not only makes it the highest opener of 2025 but also crowns it as the biggest opening of Vicky Kaushal's illustrious career.
The film's opening day performance has outpaced major releases like Akshay Kumar's 'Sky Force,' which opened with ₹15.30 Cr, and even Vicky's own well-loved film 'Uri: The Surgical Strike,' which garnered ₹8.20 Cr. The surprise didn't stop there; 'Chhaava' managed to surpass the Valentine's Day opening record set by 'Gully Boy,' which previously held the top spot with ₹19.40 Cr. This incredible feat is a testament to both the film's widespread appeal and its strategic release timing.
Unprecedented Viewership and Global Reach
The anticipation could be felt weeks before the release, with advance bookings hitting the 5 lakh ticket mark. On the day of release, Hindi audiences filled 35.17% of seats, with this figure peaking at over 40% in the buzzing evening shows. But it's not just local success fueling the movie's success; the film has amassed a global collection of ₹50 crore. The captivating compositions by the legendary A.R. Rahman, coupled with poignant lyrics from Irshad Kamil, have only added to the film’s charm.
Adapted from Shivaji Sawant's renowned novel 'Chhava,' the film has gained critical acclaim, particularly singling out Kaushal's performance. The portrayal of Sambhaji has been highlighted as one of his finest, with many suggesting it may even lead to award season recognition. This achievement places Chhaava as the 11th best performing opener in what many refer to as the post-COVID era of cinema, overtaking hits like 'Dunki'. It's clear audiences are ready to embrace films that bring historical tales to life, as evidenced by 'Chhaava's' resounding success.