The year 2025 has firmly established itself as a defining chapter in the careers of two of Bollywood's leading men, Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh. Both actors delivered monumental performances that captivated the nation, driving their respective films to historic commercial triumphs. Their projects, though distinct in genre, resonated with a powerful nationalistic spirit, creating a unique cinematic phenomenon.
Historic Wins at the Box Office
Both 'Chhaava' and 'Dhurandhar' soared past the coveted ₹500 crore mark in worldwide collections, a testament to their massive audience appeal. Vicky Kaushal's portrayal of the fearless Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, in Laxman Utekar's historical epic 'Chhaava' left audiences in awe. Simultaneously, Ranveer Singh gripped viewers with his intense performance as an Indian intelligence operative, Hamza, in Aditya Dhar's gritty espionage thriller 'Dhurandhar'. The parallel success of these films sparked a widespread conversation about the appeal of patriotic narratives in contemporary Indian cinema.
Patriotism: A Truth, Not a Formula
When questioned whether stories rooted in patriotism have become a sure-shot formula for box office success, Vicky Kaushal offered a profound perspective. In an interview with NDTV, the actor emphasized that reducing such a deep emotion to a mere strategy does it a great disservice. "I think patriotism can't be a formula and saying it is a formula is an insult to the emotion," Kaushal stated. He elaborated that patriotism is an inherent truth of the nation, one that naturally finds expression across various mediums like films, literature, and sports.
He further expressed his pride in being part of this cultural moment, saying, "This is the way we can put our foot in the door and say that we are proud of the diversity, legacy and the truth of our country. I am so proud that I am a little part of this big moment where we are fearlessly representing India on a global map." This sentiment highlights a shift towards narratives that celebrate national identity with authenticity rather than opportunism.
Diverse Stories, Unified Spirit
The two blockbusters, while united in theme, offered vastly different cinematic experiences. 'Chhaava' is adapted from Shivaji Sawant's celebrated Marathi novel and meticulously chronicles the nine-year reign of Sambhaji Maharaj, focusing on his valiant resistance against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The film features a stellar supporting cast including Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale, Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, with Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Diana Penty in pivotal roles.
On the other hand, 'Dhurandhar' is a high-stakes, action-packed spy thriller. Ranveer Singh's character, Hamza, infiltrates the perilous Lyari underworld in Karachi on a critical mission to dismantle a terror network from inside. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi.
The unprecedented success of these two films in 2025 underscores a significant trend: Indian audiences are embracing large-scale stories that reflect national pride, provided they are crafted with sincerity and stellar performances. The achievements of Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh this year have not only set new commercial benchmarks but have also reinforced the powerful role of cinema in shaping and reflecting contemporary national consciousness.
