‘Chhaava,’ directed by Laxman Utekar and starring Vicky Kaushal, has had a strong start at the box office. The biopic of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, showcases his fight against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The film is on track to enter the ₹100 crore club during its opening weekend. The high demand for tickets has led exhibitors to add late-night and early-morning shows, mainly in Maharashtra. As of Sunday, February 16, 2025, many theaters in Mumbai and Pune have begun offering midnight shows, extending their screening hours. Reports show potential extended showtimes in Mumbai, reaching as late as 1:30 AM, though not yet active. By day two, Chhaava surpassed � $50 crore domestically, climbing from � 31 crore on opening day to � 36.5 crore on Saturday, with overall Hindi occupancy jumping from 42.02% to 50.39%. The film has resonated well with audiences in Maharashtra due to Sambhaji’s significant cultural importance.
