Vicky Kaushal HITS BACK at ‘patriotism sells’ debate as Chhaava and Dhurandhar storm the box office

Two Hindi films are dominating conversations, collections, and cultural chatter this year. Chhaava and Dhurandhar, both rooted in strong patriotic sentiment, have crossed the Rs 800 crore mark worldwide, placing them firmly among the biggest blockbusters of the year. With nationalism at their emotional core and millennial stars leading the charge, many are calling patriotism the new box office “formula.” But Vicky Kaushal, who headlines Chhaava, doesn’t quite see it that way.

In a recent interview with NDTV, the actor shared his thoughts on why these films worked and why reducing their success to a formula misses the point.

“Patriotism Is an Emotion, Not a Strategy”

Vicky was clear that patriotism cannot be treated like a checklist for commercial success. According to him, calling it a formula is almost disrespectful to the emotion it truly represents. He explained that love for the country is a lived reality, something that naturally finds its way into stories, whether through cinema, books, or even sports.

For Vicky, patriotic films are not about manufacturing emotion, but about expressing pride. He described cinema as a doorway through which filmmakers can celebrate India’s diversity, history, and hard truths. He also spoke about feeling proud to be part of a phase where Indian stories are being told boldly and finding resonance beyond borders.

Chhaava: History, Sacrifice, and Strong Numbers

Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava tells the story of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his fierce resistance against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Vicky stepped into the role of Sambhaji Maharaj, while Akshaye Khanna played Aurangzeb, earning praise for his restrained intensity.

The film struck a chord with audiences through its blend of history, action, and emotional depth. Its worldwide collection of Rs 807 crore reflects not just strong ticket sales, but also a deep audience connect with stories of sacrifice and legacy.

Dhurandhar Fever and the Road to Rs 1000 Crore

While Chhaava drew strength from history, Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar is riding high on adrenaline. The spy thriller features Ranveer Singh as an Indian agent taking on terror networks across borders. Backed by a powerful ensemble including Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, the film has become a full-blown phenomenon.

With Rs 845 crore already in just 17 days, Dhurandhar is racing towards the Rs 1000 crore club, sparking massive buzz online and offline.

Together, Chhaava and Dhurandhar prove that while patriotism may not be a formula, honest storytelling rooted in pride, purpose, and conviction still has the power to move both hearts and box office numbers.