Bollywood is buzzing, and this time it’s not just over Vicky Kaushal’s effortless charm or his killer moves.
Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar recently dropped some no-filter truth bombs about the real reason behind the epic success of Vicky’s latest blockbuster Chhaava and spoiler alert, it’s not just about Vicky flexing his six-pack.
Let’s break it down, the Vibewaale way!
Star Power? Sure. But There’s More To The Story!
According to Mahesh Manjrekar, while Vicky absolutely crushed it as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (because obviously he did, it’s Vicky Kaushal!) the movie’s roaring ₹800 crore success is not just about his star wattage.
Manjrekar was super real about it. He said, “If people came to see Vicky alone, then his last five movies would have also been blockbusters.”
Translation? Audiences showed up for the story, the emotion, the history, and maybe also because Maharashtra said, “This is OUR king, and we’re showing up big time!”
Maharashtra to the Rescue! (Again)
In a move that basically makes Maharashtra the MVP of Chhaava, Manjrekar revealed that a whopping 80% of the film’s box office magic came from the state alone.
And Pune? Pune was apparently running the show with almost 90% of that contribution.
So next time someone says Bollywood is drowning, remind them, Maharashtra is out here throwing life jackets, people.
No Hate for Vicky Just Some Real Talk
Let’s be clear, Mahesh Manjrekar wasn’t throwing shade at Vicky.
He praised him for doing justice to the role, but he wanted fans (and maybe a few industry big shots) to realize, movies need more than just handsome leads and snazzy trailers to work.
It is about connecting with the heart. It is about telling stories that matter.
(And maybe a few killer battle scenes and goosebump-worthy dialogues don’t hurt either.)
What This Means for Bollywood’s Future
Manjrekar’s honest take is a reminder that content is still king, not just gym selfies and airport looks.
With audiences getting sharper (thanks OTT binge sessions) a good-looking face isn’t enough. They want depth, culture, emotion, something real.
Movies like Chhaava prove that regional pride, real history, and solid storytelling can break records when given the right platform.
