February 22, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the success of the historical period drama Chhaava, which stars Vicky Kaushal and is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Speaking at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi, PM Modi praised the film for its portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery, which has been appreciated across the country. He also acknowledged the significant contribution of Maharashtra and Mumbai in shaping both Marathi and Hindi cinema.
In his speech, PM Modi emphasized, “Ye Maharashtra aur Mumbai hi hai jisne Marathi filmon ke saath-saath, Hindi cinema ko ye unchai di hai. Aur in dino toh, Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai.” (It is Maharashtra and Mumbai that have elevated Hindi cinema along with Marathi films. And these days, Chhaava is making waves.) He further spoke about the importance of Chhava, a Marathi novel by Shivaji Sawant, which has introduced generations of readers to the valor of Sambhaji Maharaj.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava has been performing strongly at the box office since its release on February 14. According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film has crossed the Rs 200 crore milestone, with its success largely driven by the boost provided by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebrations. Chhaava earned over Rs 30 crore on Wednesday alone, coming close to its Valentine’s Day opening numbers.
The film’s box office performance has been particularly strong in Maharashtra, with Rajasthan and West Bengal also seeing increased footfalls. The historical drama, which portrays the legendary story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, features Vicky Kaushal in the lead role, along with Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in important roles.
The recognition of Chhaava by PM Modi highlights the growing importance of historical narratives in cinema and underscores the contribution of the Marathi film industry in shaping Indian cinema’s landscape.