The Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava continues its strong run at the domestic box office. Despite a noticeable dip in collections in its third week, the film is managing to rake in the big bucks and propel the film to an impressive Rs 500 crore haul.
After an impressive opening week, where it amassed Rs 219.25 crore, and a robust second-week total of Rs 180.25 crore, the historical epic has slowed down in its third weekend.
On its third Friday, the film collected approximately Rs 13 crore, followed by a stronger Saturday with Rs 22 crore and an estimated Rs 24.25 crore on Sunday. With Monday’s collections, Chhaava has raked in an estimated Rs 67.75 crore in its third week so far.
The film’s overall domestic box office total now stands at a remarkable Rs 467.25 crore, with expectations high for it to breach the coveted Rs 500 crore mark soon.
Amidst the film’s box office triumph, a major political controversy erupted on Monday, the first day of the Maharashtra legislature’s budget session, after Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Azmi lauded Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as a “great administrator,” claiming that India was referred to as Sone Ki Chidiya (Golden Bird) during his reign.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly condemned Azmi’s remarks, demanding that a case of sedition be filed against him. Calling the statement a “great sin,” Shinde branded Azmi a “traitor” and emphasised that speaking against those who exhibit patriotism amounts to treason.
Shinde further said, “If you watch the movie Chhaava, you will get goosebumps. It showcases the bravery of Sambhaji Maharaj and the cruelty of Aurangzeb.”
He added, “Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj upheld his religious pride, national pride, and patriotism until his last breath. It is unfortunate to glorify a ruler who was responsible for such brutality.”
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava stars Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta in key roles.