Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Chhaava’ Crowned Most Popular Indian Film of 2025 So Far by IMDb

Vicky Kaushal‘s historical epic, ‘Chhaava’, has emerged as the most popular Indian film of 2025 so far, according to the latest rankings released by IMDb. The film, which hit theaters on February 14th, has captivated audiences and critics alike, securing its top spot based on IMDb user ratings and page views from over 250 million monthly global visitors to the platform.

Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, ‘Chhaava’ is a riveting historical drama that delves into the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of the Maratha warrior king has garnered widespread acclaim, with many hailing it as one of his most powerful performances to date. The film also features a stellar supporting cast including Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai and Akshaye Khanna in a formidable role as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

‘Chhaava’ has not only dominated the popularity charts but has also been a massive commercial success. With a reported budget of ₹130-140 crore, the film has grossed an astounding ₹809 crore at the box office, marking a theatrical profit of over 500%. This makes it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 by a significant margin.

Director Laxman Utekar expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response, stating, “We’re honored that ‘Chhaava’ has topped the IMDb Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 So Far list. What makes this recognition truly special is that it comes directly from the fans. Their overwhelming love and positive reception for this Maddock film and performances, led by Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, have been incredibly heartening. This inspires our entire cast and crew to continue creating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.”

IMDb’s methodology for determining popularity includes films released between January 1 and July 1, 2025, that have an average user rating of 6 or higher and at least 10,000 votes. ‘Chhaava’ consistently ranked high in terms of page traffic, reflecting robust audience engagement and interest.

The success of ‘Chhaava’ underscores the enduring appeal of historical dramas in Indian cinema when executed with compelling storytelling and strong performances. The film’s grand scale, authentic sets, and gripping narrative have resonated deeply with viewers, solidifying its position as a landmark film of the year. Its success further cements Vicky Kaushal’s standing as a leading actor capable of delivering both critical and commercial hits.