Vicky Kaushal’s Hit Film ‘Chhaava’ Surfaces on Piracy Sites, Police Investigate

Mumbai: Authorities have launched an investigation after the recently released Bollywood film ‘Chhaava’, starring Vicky Kaushal, was reportedly leaked online. A formal complaint has been filed with the cyber police in Mumbai regarding the illegal circulation of the historical drama.

According to police sources, the complaint was lodged by Rajat Rahul Haksar, the CEO of August Entertainment, an agency specializing in anti-piracy measures. The agency, which was hired by the film’s production company, Maddock Films, identified over 1,800 online links where ‘Chhaava’ was being shared without authorization.

The South Cyber Police Station has registered a case under various sections of Indian law, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Copyright Act, the Cinematograph Act, and the Information Technology Act. These sections deal with offenses related to copyright infringement and the unauthorized distribution of films.

Despite the piracy incident, ‘Chhaava’ has been a significant commercial success, having earned more than ₹500 crore at the box office. This makes it the most successful film in Vicky Kaushal’s career to date, surpassing the earnings of his previous hits like ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Sam Bahadur’, and ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’.

The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, is based on the life of the Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and features a star-studded cast including Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in prominent roles.

The movie’s success has also garnered recognition from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently praised ‘Chhaava’ during a literary event in New Delhi, acknowledging its popularity and highlighting the contribution of Marathi literature, specifically mentioning the novel ‘Chhava’ by Shivaji Sawant as the source material that brought the story of Sambhaji Maharaj to a wider audience.

Overwhelmed by the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment, Vicky Kaushal expressed his gratitude on social media, stating he was “honoured beyond words.” His co-star, Rashmika Mandanna, also shared her appreciation.

In the film, Vicky Kaushal portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Akshaye Khanna plays Emperor Aurangzeb, and Rashmika Mandanna stars as Yesubai.