In the cinematic arena of Bollywood, where the battle for box office supremacy is as fierce as any historical epic, ‘Chhaava’, starring the dynamic duo Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, has been making waves. However, the film experienced its first taste of the notorious Monday test, showing a decline in its collection numbers after a phenomenal opening weekend.

Directed by Laxman Utekar and based on the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, ‘Chhaava’ stormed into theaters on Valentine’s Day, setting a new benchmark for Bollywood’s 2025 openings with an astounding Rs 31 crore on its first day. The film continued its victorious march over the weekend, with collections escalating to Rs 37 crore on Saturday and a majestic Rs 48.5 crore on Sunday, pushing its three-day total to a staggering Rs 116.5 crore.

But as Monday dawned, the box office saw what many in the industry call the “Monday reality check.” ‘Chhaava’ managed to pull in Rs 24 crore, a significant drop from its Sunday peak. Despite this dip, the movie’s cumulative four-day collection stands at a formidable Rs 140.50 crore, keeping it firmly in the lead for the year’s highest-grossing films.

Industry analysts and fans alike have been quick to dissect this performance. The initial enthusiasm for ‘Chhaava’ was palpable; the film not only benefited from its historical narrative but also from the star power of Kaushal, whose portrayal of Sambhaji has been lauded, and Mandanna, who has been making significant inroads into Bollywood. The film’s grand visuals, AR Rahman’s stirring score, and the emotional depth it added to Sambhaji’s story resonated deeply, especially in Maharashtra, where it saw unprecedented demand for additional screenings.

However, the Monday drop, while expected, raises questions about the film’s staying power. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted, “A drop was anticipated, but ‘Chhaava’ has passed the Monday litmus test with flying colors. The real test will be its performance through the week.” The film’s ability to maintain a steady audience through weekdays will be crucial for its long-term success at the box office.

The narrative surrounding ‘Chhaava’ isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the love and respect it has garnered for its depiction of one of India’s lesser-celebrated historical figures. Social media has been flooded with fans sharing their experiences, with many highlighting the climax as a particularly moving part of the movie. The film’s blend of action, history, and emotion seems to have struck a chord, with positive reviews commending the film’s scale and the performances of its leading stars.

As ‘Chhaava’ navigates through its first week, all eyes will be on its weekday earnings. Will it maintain its momentum, or will the initial fervor wane? While the film faces this test, it’s clear that ‘Chhaava’ has already carved its name as a blockbuster, setting a high bar for Bollywood in 2025. With no major releases in the immediate horizon to challenge its position, ‘Chhaava’ continues to be the king of the box office, albeit with a slight dip on its first Monday. However, in the grand tapestry of box office battles, ‘Chhaava’ remains a story of triumph, proving that even on quieter days, the legacy of a warrior can still draw crowds.