Record-Breaking Opening Day for Vicky Kaushal
Vicky Kaushal's much-talked-about period drama, *Chhaava*, took the box office by storm on its first day, cashing in an impressive ₹31 crore net from Indian audiences. The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, tells the compelling story of Maratha king Sambhaji Maharaj and features a stellar cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and Divya Dutta. With these formidable numbers, *Chhaava* set a new benchmark, being crowned as the highest opener of 2025.
The film remarkably surpassed *Sky Force*, which had previously generated ₹15.30 crore, as it clinched the title of 2025's biggest opening movie. Beyond this accomplishment, *Chhaava* also holds the accolade of being the largest grossing Bollywood historical film on opening day, toppling the likes of *Padmaavat*, which opened to ₹24 crore.
Valentine’s Day Triumph and Audience Reception
Debuting on Valentine’s Day, *Chhaava* did not just woo audiences; it shattered existing records for the day by surpassing *Gully Boy*'s ₹19.40 crore opening three years prior. This remarkable performance was no surprise, as the film combines historical allure with modern-day star appeal.
Viewership was robust throughout the day, experiencing noticeable growth from 30.51% occupancy during morning shows to an impressive 62.55% by night. The anticipation was evident with over 5 lakh tickets sold in advance, predominantly in Pune and Mumbai, two strong markets for the film. Despite the positive numbers, the specter of piracy loomed large, with unauthorized copies threatening earnings.
Produced by Maddock Films on a substantial budget of ₹110 crore, efforts are being made to continue harnessing its momentum despite the piracy threats. The opening day's overwhelming success can be credited to a mix of historical intrigue, the compelling performance of Vicky Kaushal, and strategic timing, capitalizing on Valentine’s Day to draw in audiences nationwide.
