Vicky Kaushal’s latest film, Chhaava, has made a powerful impact at the box office, raking in over ₹67 crore within just two days of its release. The historical drama, directed by Laxman Utekar, is on track to cross the ₹100 crore milestone by the end of its opening weekend.
Expanding Screenings Amid High Demand
The overwhelming response, particularly in Maharashtra, has led exhibitors to introduce additional showtimes to accommodate eager audiences. With theaters running at near-full capacity, especially in Mumbai and Pune, many multiplexes have scheduled early-morning and late-night shows. From Sunday onward, select cinemas in these cities have begun screening Chhaava at unconventional hours, including midnight and 6 am slots.
According to industry reports, theaters in Mumbai are preparing to extend show timings as late as 12:45 am, 1 am, and even 1:30 am, although these changes are yet to be fully implemented. In Pune, where occupancy rates soared to 95%, 6 am screenings were quickly added to meet demand.
Maharashtra Leads the Charge, Strong Reception in the South
The film, which chronicles the life and struggles of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has struck a chord with audiences, particularly in Maharashtra. On Saturday, the overall occupancy across India was around 50%, but the numbers surged for night shows, reaching 69%. Mumbai recorded an impressive 93% occupancy, while Pune outperformed with a staggering 97%.
Interestingly, Chhaava has also gained traction in southern markets, with Chennai and Hyderabad registering 81% and 88% occupancy, respectively, for Saturday night shows.
Star-Studded Cast and Mixed Reviews
Featuring Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, the film also stars Akshaye Khanna as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, along with Rashmika Mandanna and Divya Dutta in key roles. While Chhaava has earned praise for its performances and grand storytelling, some critics have pointed out issues with its pacing.
Despite mixed reviews, the audience reception has been overwhelmingly positive, positioning Chhaava as one of the biggest Bollywood releases of the year. With its strong momentum, the film is poised to achieve even greater box office milestones in the coming days.
