Despite Piracy Threat, Audience Flocks to Theatres as Chhaava Becomes the First Hindi Film to Cross 12 Million Tickets on BookMyShow

Mumbai | March 21, 2025 —
In a year full of cinematic surprises, one film has marched ahead with the spirit of a warrior — literally. Vicky Kaushal’s period-action drama Chhaava is not just performing well at the box office — it’s dominating it.

Now in its fifth week, Chhaava has pulled in a staggering ₹572.95 crore globally, standing just a few crores away from Stree 2’s benchmark of ₹598 crore. But beyond the numbers, it’s the way the film has connected with the audience — across generations and geographies — that makes its success remarkable.

Ticketing Milestone: A Historic First on BookMyShow

In a record-setting feat, Chhaava has become the first Hindi film ever to cross the 12 million ticket mark on BookMyShow. The data highlights not just the film’s popularity, but also its reach into India’s growing digital-first cinema audience.

Interestingly, this milestone has been achieved despite the film facing a piracy leak online, which could have jeopardized footfall. Instead, fans took a stand — showing up at theatres in large numbers, reinforcing their support for the big screen experience.

What’s Powering Chhaava‘s Massive Appeal?

Rooted in the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the film combines gritty historical narrative with strong performances, led by Kaushal’s intense and deeply emotional portrayal.

Director Rajesh Patil’s compelling storytelling, complemented by powerful music and immersive battle scenes, has helped Chhaava resonate beyond just fans of period cinema. It appeals to both patriotic sentiments and modern cinematic sensibilities, making it a rare crossover hit.

Leak Controversy Sparks Unexpected Boost

A few weeks into its theatrical run, Chhaava fell victim to an online leak that raised alarms across the film industry. But instead of deterring viewers, the incident may have unintentionally boosted public curiosity and sympathy, driving even more people to buy tickets and watch it legally.

Cybersecurity teams and anti-piracy units have since intensified their crackdown efforts, but the industry is viewing Chhaava’s resilience as a turning point in the piracy battle.

Chhaava’s Box Office Breakdown (Day 35)

• Global Gross: ₹572.95 crore
• Domestic Collection: ₹468 crore
• International Business: ₹104.95 crore
• Tickets Sold (BookMyShow): 12 million+

With its performance holding steady on weekdays and spiking on weekends, Chhaava is widely expected to surpass ₹600 crore — a feat few Hindi films have accomplished.

Public Response: Theatres Filled, Social Media Buzzing

From mass circuits to multiplexes, Chhaava is enjoying a rare kind of run — one powered almost entirely by positive word of mouth.

Online reactions continue to pour in, with fans praising not just Vicky Kaushal’s performance, but also the film’s authentic production design, cultural accuracy, and emotional depth. The hashtags #ChhaavaHitsHard and #VickyKaushalLegendary have trended across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Industry Impact: A New Benchmark for Historical Films

The success of Chhaava has given the historical drama genre a fresh shot in the arm. Producers, previously cautious about investing in large-scale period films, are now reconsidering. Trade experts believe the film will spark a new wave of big-budget, character-driven narratives in the months to come.

Distributors are also benefiting, with theatre owners reporting higher than usual weekday occupancy — a trend rarely seen post-pandemic.

Final Word: Chhaava Proves Content and Character Still Rule in Bollywood

In an industry often driven by hype and star power, Chhaava stands out for winning hearts the traditional way — with authentic storytelling, emotional power, and cinematic excellence. Vicky Kaushal, once again, proves why he is one of India’s most dependable actors, and why audiences still believe in the magic of a powerful film.

As the numbers climb and the applause refuses to fade, one thing is clear — Chhaava didn’t just collect crores; it created a cultural moment.

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