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Bollywood heartthrob Vicky Kaushal has created history by becoming the youngest actor to lead a film that has grossed over ₹500 crore in net box office collections in India. His latest film, Chhaava, has not only emerged as a massive commercial success but has also solidified his position as one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema today.
Chhaava: A Box Office Juggernaut
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is a gripping historical drama that brings to life the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant Maratha king. Released on February 14, 2025, the film has struck a chord with audiences nationwide, rapidly climbing the box office charts. Within just 23 days of its release, Chhaava crossed the ₹500 crore mark in India, an extraordinary feat that few films have achieved.
Record-Breaking Box Office Performance
The film’s earnings have been nothing short of spectacular:
- Week 1: ₹219.25 crore
- Week 2: ₹180.25 crore
- Week 3: ₹84.5 crore
- Week 4 (Weekend): ₹508.8 crore (total)
This impressive box office run has cemented Chhaava as one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time. The movie’s stronghold in Maharashtra, coupled with its compelling narrative and powerful performances, has played a key role in its massive success.
Vicky Kaushal: The Youngest Actor to Achieve This Milestone
At just 36 years old, Vicky Kaushal has surpassed industry veterans to become the youngest lead actor to achieve this remarkable milestone. For context, other Bollywood superstars who have entered the ₹500 crore club include:
- Sunny Deol (Gadar 2)
- Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan, Pathaan)
- Ranbir Kapoor (Animal)
However, what makes Vicky’s achievement stand out is his relatively recent rise to fame. Having made his Bollywood debut in 2015 with Masaan, he has steadily climbed the ladder with critically acclaimed performances and commercially successful films like Uri: The Surgical Strike, Sardar Udham, and now Chhaava.
Chhaava vs. Other Bollywood Blockbusters
With its ₹500 crore+ earnings, Chhaava has surpassed several other major films in terms of box office performance, including:
- **Rajinikanth’s **2.0 (₹407 crore)
- **Prabhas’s **Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (₹406.45 crore)
Currently, Chhaava ranks as the 12th biggest hit in Indian cinema and the 9th highest-grossing Hindi film of all time.
Critical and Audience Response
Chhaava has garnered extensive praise for its storytelling, direction, and performances, transcending mere numerical metrics. Vicky Kaushal’s depiction of Sambhaji Maharaj has received notable acclaim for its authenticity and depth. The film’s powerful emotional and historical connection has turned it into a must-see for viewers of various demographics.
Bollywood’s Resurgence Amidst Challenges
The success of Chhaava is a much-needed boost for Bollywood, which saw a 7% decline in box office collections in 2024. With the increasing dominance of South Indian films such as Pushpa 2: The Rule and Kalki 2898 AD, many questioned whether Bollywood could keep up. However, Chhaava has proved that content-driven Hindi films still have a massive audience and can compete on a national level.
What’s Next for Vicky Kaushal?
After the phenomenal success of Chhaava, Vicky Kaushal is gearing up for his next big project: Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. This highly anticipated film, a modern reimagining of Raj Kapoor’s Sangam, will feature Vicky alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
