Actor Vicky Kaushal has weighed in on the massive box office success of Chhaava and Dhurandhar, stating that the impact of patriotic films cannot be reduced to a commercial formula.
The two films have emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi releases of 2025, each crossing the ₹800 crore mark globally. Their success has sparked debate within the industry about whether themes of patriotism and nationalism now guarantee box office returns.
However, Kaushal, who played Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava, strongly disagrees with that view. Speaking in an interview, the actor said patriotism is an emotion rooted in truth and lived experience, not a marketing strategy.
“I think patriotism can’t be a formula. Calling it a formula is an insult to the emotion,” Kaushal said. “It is our truth, and it will continue to find expression through cinema, literature, and even sports.”
He added that such films allow creators to express pride in the country’s history and diversity. “This is our way of saying that we are proud of our legacy and who we are. I feel grateful to be part of a moment where Indian stories are being represented fearlessly on a global platform,” the actor said.
Why Chhaava and Dhurandhar Connected with Audiences
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava traces the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and highlights his resistance against the Mughal empire. The film stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead role, with Akshaye Khanna portraying Aurangzeb. It has collected approximately ₹807 crore worldwide.
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is a contemporary spy thriller led by Ranveer Singh. The film follows an Indian intelligence operative navigating high-risk missions against organised crime networks. Featuring an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, the film has already earned over ₹845 crore in just 17 days and is steadily moving towards the ₹1,000 crore milestone.
Industry observers note that while both films explore themes of national identity and sacrifice, their success lies in strong storytelling, performances, and emotional resonance rather than reliance on any single theme.
