Bollywood

Bollywood fans are witnessing a remarkable box office journey with the historical action film Chhaava, which has continued to impress both critics and audiences alike. As of its 25th day in theatres, the film has achieved new heights, surpassing the Rs 700 crore mark globally. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava stars Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, and has become a surprise blockbuster in the midst of a year that has, so far, struggled to produce significant hits in Indian cinema. The Box Office Journey So Far On March 10, 2025, the film’s 25th day in theatres, Chhaava recorded an India nett collection of Rs 6.25 crore, according to early estimates by industry tracker Sacnilk. This brought the film’s total domestic collection to an impressive Rs 526.05 crore. The film’s earnings have been consistent, with the Hindi version contributing Rs 5 crore to the total collection, and the Telugu version adding Rs 1.25 crore. With a worldwide gross of Rs 705.3 crore, Chhaava has now positioned itself as the ninth-highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. Outperforming Stree 2: A Potential Box Office Rival Despite being almost a month into its theatrical run, Chhaava has continued to gain momentum, an impressive feat for a film in its fourth week. With its growing numbers, Chhaava is on track to overtake Stree 2 in terms of lifetime collections. Stree 2, directed by Amar Kaushik and starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, was the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2024. By comparison, while Stree 2 earned Rs 8.5 crore, Rs 11 crore, and Rs 3.25 crore on its fourth Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, respectively, Chhaava surpassed those numbers significantly with Rs 16.75 crore, Rs 10.75 crore, and Rs 6.25 crore on the same days. This upward trajectory suggests that Chhaava has the potential to match or even exceed Stree 2’s lifetime earnings. The Overseas Market: A Key Challenge While Chhaava has performed extraordinarily well domestically, its overseas earnings have been notably lower compared to its competitors. The film has so far earned Rs 85 crore from international markets, significantly trailing Stree 2, which amassed Rs 144 crore from overseas collections alone. The global box office is a crucial factor in determining whether Chhaava can ultimately surpass Stree 2’s worldwide gross of Rs 857.15 crore. However, the film’s ongoing domestic success suggests that it could continue to perform well even without a substantial overseas boost. Film’s Reception and Performances Despite its growing box office success, Chhaava’s storyline and performances have sparked a range of reactions from both audiences and critics. The film, an adaptation of the Marathi novel of the same name, is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. Vicky Kaushal, known for his versatile roles, brings the historical character to life with intensity and depth, while Rashmika Mandanna’s portrayal of a key character adds emotional weight to the narrative. Critics have praised the film’s gripping action sequences and historical authenticity, although some have noted that the film’s climax, which features intense torture scenes, might be difficult for sensitive viewers. As Chhaava ventures into darker and more violent territory, it draws comparisons to films such as The Passion of Christ, particularly in the way it handles its depiction of suffering. Shubhra Gupta, in her review for SCREEN, highlighted how the film’s portrayal of torture at the climax was reminiscent of “the systematic flaying of Jesus in The Passion of Christ,” drawing a parallel to show the raw and brutal nature of the scenes. Despite these intense moments, the overall reception of the film has been positive, with audiences appreciating the powerful performances and the film’s grand scale. Box Office Trends and Future Outlook Even as the film enters its fourth week, Chhaava continues to perform strongly at the box office. On Monday, the film recorded an overall occupancy rate of 9.98% in the Hindi market and 17.26% in the Telugu market, with the numbers improving throughout the day. The morning shows began with a 5.81% occupancy in Hindi and 15.10% in Telugu, but by the evening and night shows, the film’s occupancy rates peaked at 13.90% in Hindi and 19.66% in Telugu. These trends suggest that Chhaava still has plenty of life left in its theatrical run and could continue to rake in impressive figures in the weeks ahead. If the film maintains its momentum, it may very well end up challenging the top spots in the list of highest-grossing Hindi films of all time. Conclusion Chhaava has proven to be one of the most surprising success stories of 2025, especially considering the slow start that Bollywood has had this year. With its compelling story, stellar performances, and ever-growing box office numbers, the film has managed to not only capture the audience’s attention but also keep them engaged through its fourth week in theatres. While it faces challenges in the overseas market, its domestic success continues to soar. As Chhaava draws closer to overtaking Stree 2, its journey will undoubtedly be one to watch in the coming weeks. Ultimately, the film’s box office performance and critical reception underline the potential for historical dramas in Bollywood to achieve widespread commercial success, provided they resonate with both the audience’s love for action and historical narratives.