Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava Tops IMDb’s List of Most Popular Indian Films of 2025 (So Far)
Historical Biopic Beats Big-Budget Releases by Salman, Aamir, and Akshay
As we cross the halfway mark of the year, IMDb India has unveiled its much-anticipated list of the Most Popular Indian Films of 2025 (So Far) — and leading the pack is Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava, a powerful historical drama that has not only captured hearts but also dominated the box office.
Based on real-time user engagement and ratings, IMDb’s mid-year rankings reflect what audiences truly loved between January 1 and July 1, 2025. To qualify, films had to earn a user rating of 6 or above with a minimum of 10,000 votes, and rankings were determined by page views from over 250 million monthly IMDb visitors globally.
A Surprise Leader Over Superstar-Driven Films
While big-ticket titles like Salman Khan’s Sikandar, Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, and Akshay Kumar’s Kesari Chapter 2 created major buzz, Chhaava emerged as the people’s favorite.
The film, which tells the inspiring story of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, stars Vicky Kaushal in the titular role, alongside Akshaye Khanna, Rashmika Mandanna, Divya Dutta, and Vineet Kumar Singh.
With a production budget of ₹130 crore, Chhaava has already grossed ₹809 crore, making it not just a critical success, but also the most profitable Indian film of the year with over 500% return.
Director Laxman Utekar Reacts to IMDb Honour
In response to the recognition, director Laxman Utekar expressed gratitude to the audience:
We’re honoured that Chhaava has topped IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 So Far list. What makes this achievement truly special is that it comes straight from the viewers. The love they’ve shown for our storytelling and the performances of Vicky, Rashmika, and Akshaye has been overwhelming. It motivates us to continue crafting stories that emotionally connect with audiences.”
IMDb’s Popularity Criteria Explained
In its official statement, IMDb clarified how the rankings were determined:
“Of all the movies released in India between January 1 and July 1, 2025, that have an average IMDb user rating of 6 or higher and at least 10,000 votes, these titles were the most consistently popular, as determined by actual page views from our global user base.”
This list provides a unique insight into viewer engagement beyond just box office earnings, highlighting films that sparked ongoing interest and conversation among movie fans.
A Massive Win for Content-Driven Cinema
The success of Chhaava underscores a growing trend where well-made, culturally rooted stories continue to find favor with audiences over formulaic big-star vehicles. It also marks a high point in Vicky Kaushal’s career, reinforcing his status as a versatile actor who can lead both indie gems and commercial blockbusters.