In a recent interview, Vicky Kaushal expressed his pride and excitement regarding the success of his film Chhaava and Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar, emphasizing the importance of representing India fearlessly through cinema. He highlighted the dedication and passion that went into Chhaava, a historical epic based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. Kaushal plays Sambhaji, a role for which he underwent significant physical transformation and rigorous training.

"Chhaava has been an incredibly special journey for me," Kaushal shared. "It's a story of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering love for the motherland. We wanted to bring Sambhaji Maharaj's life to the screen with utmost honesty and respect." He also acknowledged the challenges of portraying such a significant historical figure, emphasizing the responsibility he felt to do justice to Sambhaji Maharaj's legacy.

The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, also stars Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna. Kaushal noted the collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew, praising their commitment to bringing the historical period to life. "Everyone gave their heart and soul to this project, and I believe that shows on screen," he said. The film commenced shooting in October 2023 and ended in May 2024.

Kaushal also expressed his delight at the success of Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. The film has become Singh's biggest box office hit, earning ₹351.75 crore and surpassing Padmaavat. "Dhurandhar's success is a testament to the power of storytelling," Kaushal stated. "It's a film that has resonated with audiences across the board, and I'm thrilled to see it doing so well".

Dhurandhar, released on December 5, 2025, has grossed ₹805.10 crore worldwide. While it received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for the cast's performance, direction, and action sequences, it faced some criticism for its long runtime. A sequel is slated for release on March 19, 2026.

Kaushal emphasized that the success of both Chhaava and Dhurandhar reflects a changing landscape in Indian cinema, where audiences are increasingly receptive to ambitious and unconventional storytelling. "We are at a point where viewers want to see stories that challenge them, that make them think, and that stay with them long after they leave the theater," he explained. "As actors and filmmakers, it is our responsibility to deliver such stories with honesty and conviction." He added, "We are fearlessly representing India, its stories, its heroes, and its values. And I believe that's what's connecting with the audience."

Vicky Kaushal won the Best Actor Award at the NDTV Indian of the Year event, held in New Delhi. He said that the sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has stayed with him and that portraying the role allowed him to experience that sacrifice with deep emotional intimacy.