Public Displays of Gratitude Mark Anniversary of "Chhaava" Release
Vicky Kaushal, the lead actor in the historical drama "Chhaava," has marked the one-year anniversary of the film's release. The actor expressed his thanks to fans for their "very special" love and support, sharing behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage from the set. This commemoration coincides with significant public engagement, including fan rituals and widespread praise for Kaushal's portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

Context of "Chhaava's" Release and Reception
"Chhaava," a film centered on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, was released on February 14, 2025. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the movie garnered considerable attention for its historical narrative and Kaushal's performance. The film's release was met with substantial box office success, reportedly crossing ₹600 crore and becoming the third film to achieve such a milestone after "Pushpa 2 Hindi" and "Stree 2" in the same year. Early box office figures indicated a strong debut, with ₹31 crore on its opening day, marking it as Kaushal's biggest opening to date. The film's success was further amplified by its television premiere on Star Gold, which reportedly drew 39.2 million viewers.
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Evidence of Fan Engagement and Actor's Appreciation
Multiple sources confirm Vicky Kaushal's public acknowledgment of the film's anniversary and fan appreciation.

Kaushal took to social media on February 14, 2025, to mark the one-year milestone, sharing BTS photos and expressing gratitude. He stated, "I bow my head in gratitude to the great Maratha legacy and to all of you for celebrating it with us."
Reports indicate that fans have shown extraordinary devotion, with some pouring milk over film posters and performing "aarti" (a Hindu ritual of worship), a level of fan engagement likened to that for Rajnikanth.
Following the film's premiere, Vicky Kaushal reportedly received a standing ovation, with attendees, including Katrina Kaif, chanting "Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ki Jai!"
Sham Kaushal, Vicky Kaushal's father and a renowned action director, has also publicly thanked fans for their support in making "Chhaava" a "massive hit" and a "blockbuster."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the film, reportedly lauding Maharashtra's contribution to cinema, which includes historical dramas like "Chhaava."
Analysis of "Chhaava's" Performance and Impact
Box Office Success and Industry Standing
"Chhaava" has achieved significant financial success, crossing the ₹600 crore mark. Its performance places it among the top-grossing Hindi films, with one report even claiming it grossed over ₹800 crore. This financial achievement is noteworthy, especially considering its position as the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025 and the ninth-biggest-grossing Hindi film of all time, according to one account. The film's debut box office collection of ₹31 crore on its first day is cited as Vicky Kaushal's highest opening.
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Critical and Audience Reception
Audience reception appears to have been largely positive, with fans expressing immense love and even performing devotional acts towards the film's posters. Vicky Kaushal's portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has been a focal point, with the actor's commitment evident in his preparation, which included sword fighting training and learning Marathi. Some reviews, while acknowledging Kaushal's dedication, noted the film's tendency towards "excessive superherofication of the Maratha ruler." Nevertheless, the film's broad appeal is suggested by its strong performance not only in theaters but also during its World TV Premiere.
Actor's Gratitude and Future Projects
Vicky Kaushal's consistent expressions of gratitude underscore the importance of fan support in the film's success. His anniversary post, filled with thanks and BTS moments, highlights his appreciation for the legacy and the audience's engagement. Looking ahead, Kaushal is slated to appear in other significant projects, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama "Love & War," alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, and "Mahavatar."
Conclusion: A Significant Anniversary for "Chhaava" and Vicky Kaushal
The one-year anniversary of "Chhaava" serves as a testament to the film's substantial impact, both commercially and culturally. Vicky Kaushal's active participation in celebrating this milestone, coupled with overwhelming fan devotion and significant box office achievements, underscores the film's success. The film's journey from theatrical release to television premiere highlights its sustained presence and widespread viewership. The expressions of gratitude from the actor and his father, Sham Kaushal, reflect a deep appreciation for the audience's reception of the historical narrative and Kaushal's performance. The film's success has positioned it as a significant entry in Hindi cinema for 2025, and its continued engagement through media platforms indicates an enduring legacy.
Sources Used:
News18: "Vicky Kaushal Celebrates One Year Of Chhaava With Heartfelt Post, Netizens Call Him 'Greatest Actor'" (Published: 3 hours ago)🔗 https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/vicky-kaushal-celebrates-one-year-of-chhaava-with-heartfelt-post-netizens-call-him-greatest-actor-9903441.html
Social News XYZ: "Vicky Kaushal bows his head to the great Maratha legacy as 'Chhaava' turns 1" (Published: 3 hours ago)🔗 https://www.socialnews.xyz/2026/02/14/vicky-kaushal-bows-his-head-to-the-great-maratha-legacy-as-chhaava-turns-1/
Devdiscourse: "Vicky Kaushal Celebrates 'Chhaava' Anniversary: A Maratha Legacy Remembered" (Published: 2 hours ago)🔗 https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3805190-vicky-kaushal-celebrates-chhaava-anniversary-a-maratha-legacy-remembered
Moneycontrol: "Vicky Kaushal thanks fans for their overwhelming love and support for Chhaava" (Published: February 16, 2025)🔗 https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/vicky-kaushal-thanks-fans-for-their-overwhelming-love-and-support-for-chhaava-article-12942015.html
Free Press Journal: "Vicky Kaushal bows his head to 'Great Maratha Legacy' as Chhaava turns 1, shares behind-the-scenes photos" (Published: 2 hours ago)🔗 https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/vicky-kaushal-bows-his-head-to-great-maratha-legacy-as-chhaava-turns-1-shares-behind-the-scenes-photos
News18: "Vicky Kaushal Thanks Fans For Showering Love On Chhaava, Expresses Gratitude With Emotional Note" (Published: February 16, 2025)🔗 https://www.news18.com/movies/vicky-kaushal-thanks-fans-for-showering-love-on-chhaava-expresses-gratitude-with-emotional-note-9229556.html
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Times of India: "Vicky Kaushal gets a standing ovation at Chhaava premiere; Katrina Kaif and audience chant 'Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ki Jai!'- WATCH" (Published: February 14, 2025)🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/vicky-kaushal-gets-a-standing-ovation-at-chhaava-premiere-katrina-kaif-and-audience-chant-chhatrapati-sambhaji-maharaj-ki-jai-watch/articleshow/118232572.cms
News18: "Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava Crosses Rs 600 Crore Mark, Father Sham Kaushal Thanks Fans For All The Love" (Published: April 21, 2025)🔗 https://www.news18.com/movies/vicky-kaushals-chhaava-crosses-rs-600-crore-mark-father-sham-kaushal-thanks-fans-for-all-the-love-aa-9307398.html
News18: "Sham Kaushal Thanks Fans As Son Vicky's Chhaava Roars At The Box Office With Rs 31 Crore Debut" (Published: February 15, 2025)🔗 https://www.news18.com/movies/sham-kaushal-thanks-fans-as-son-vickys-chhaava-roars-at-the-box-office-with-rs-31-crore-debut-aa-9228293.html
NDTV: "Chhaava: Vicky Kaushal's Film Receives Massive Love As Fans Pour Milk Over Posters And Perform Aarti" (Published: February 16, 2025)🔗 https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/chhaava-vicky-kaushals-film-receives-massive-love-as-fans-pour-milk-over-posters-and-perform-aarti-7723057
AD GULLY: "Chhaava shines on TV, clocks 39.2 million viewers for Vicky Kaushal" (Published: September 3, 2025)🔗 https://www.adgully.com/post/5924/chhaava-shines-on-tv-clocks-392-million-viewers-for-vicky-kaushal
Wikipedia: "Vicky Kaushal" (Published: 8 hours ago)🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VickyKaushal
Times of India: "Vicky Kaushal marks first anniversary of 'Chhaava' with UNSEEN BTS moments: 'I bow my head in gratitude'" (Published: 1 hour ago)🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/vicky-kaushal-marks-first-anniversary-of-chhaava-with-unseen-bts-moments-i-bow-my-head-in-gratitude-to-the-great-maratha-legacy/articleshow/128345027.html
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