Vicky Kaushal has emerged as one of the most versatile and bankable actors in Bollywood over the years. From making his debut with critically acclaimed films like Masaan to delivering massive blockbusters like Uri: The Surgical Strike, he has traversed a unique path in the industry. His journey is not just that of an actor but also of a star who has cemented his place in the industry with both critical and commercial successes. By analyzing his box office performances, we can see how he has carved a niche for himself.
The Rise of Vicky Kaushal: Early Career and Breakthrough
Vicky Kaushal made his mark with Masaan (2015), a film that won accolades globally but didn’t fare well at the box office, earning just Rs 3.43 crore. Despite the modest earnings, his performance was widely appreciated, setting the stage for his future endeavors. His next major release, Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), directed by Anurag Kashyap, also struggled commercially, collecting Rs 7.03 crore. However, these films established his credibility as a serious performer, paving the way for more significant opportunities.
His real breakthrough came with Raazi (2018), where he played a supporting yet crucial role opposite Alia Bhatt. The film was a massive hit, collecting Rs 123.74 crore at the box office. His portrayal of Iqbal Syed, a Pakistani military officer, was appreciated for its depth and restraint, proving that he could shine even in an ensemble cast. He also delivered Sanju in the same year, which went on to mint Rs 347 crore. Though he played the supporting role of Kamli to Ranbir Kapoor’s Sanjay Dutt, his performance received as much limelight as Ranbir’s.
Superstardom with Uri: The Surgical Strike
The defining moment in Vicky Kaushal’s career came in 2019 with Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film, based on India’s surgical strike against terrorist camps, was a game-changer for him. Not only did it establish him as a leading man capable of carrying a big-budget action film, but it also became a box office juggernaut, collecting Rs 244.14 crore. The film’s iconic dialogue, “How’s the josh?” became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying his status as an action star and a national icon.
Exploring Different Genres
Post-Uri, Vicky Kaushal made a conscious effort to explore different genres. He starred in Bhoot Part One: The Haunted Ship (2020), venturing into the horror genre. Though the film managed to collect Rs 31.1 crore, it didn’t create the same impact as his previous films. Despite the lukewarm response, his performance was appreciated, showcasing his ability to experiment.
Then came Sardar Udham (2021), a critically acclaimed biopic on the revolutionary Udham Singh. Though the film was released directly on OTT due to the pandemic, it further reinforced his acting prowess and won numerous accolades.
Maintaining Momentum with Commercial Successes
After a brief pause due to the pandemic, Vicky Kaushal returned to the big screen with Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023), a romantic comedy co-starring Sara Ali Khan. The film was a sleeper hit, earning Rs 88.35 crore, proving that he could pull in audiences even in lighthearted roles.
Following this, he took on Sam Bahadur (2023), a biopic on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. The film performed decently at the box office, collecting Rs 93.95 crore, while his performance was widely appreciated. His ability to bring historical figures to life with conviction added another feather to his cap.
Dominating 2024 with Chhaava and Bad Newz
In 2024-2025, Vicky Kaushal delivered two starkly different films—Chhaava and Bad Newz. Chhaava, a historical epic, became his second-highest-grossing film with Rs 219.75 crore, showcasing his ability to command box office numbers in a larger-than-life role. Meanwhile, Bad Newz, a comedy-drama, garnered Rs 64.53 crore, proving his growing appeal across varied genres.
Box Office Trajectory: From Actor to Star
Analyzing his box office numbers, it is evident that Vicky Kaushal has evolved from an actor known for his craft to a bankable star:
- Indie Beginnings (Masaan, Raman Raghav 2.0) – Critically acclaimed but commercially underwhelming.
- Supporting Role Success (Raazi and Sanju) – A breakthrough moment that showcased his potential.
- Mega Stardom (Uri: The Surgical Strike) – A game-changer that established him as a leading man.
- Experimentation Phase (Bhoot Part One, Sardar Udham) – Showcased versatility.
- Commercial Consolidation and Superstar Status (Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, Sam Bahadur, Chhaava, and Bad Newz) – Proved his consistent pull among audiences and his ability to lead both large-scale epics and entertaining comedies.
What Makes Vicky Kaushal a Unique Star?
- Versatility: From intense war dramas to lighthearted rom-coms, he has aced a variety of roles.
- Reliability: He has delivered consistent hits, making him a dependable name at the box office.
- Mass and Class Appeal: He resonates with both mass audiences and critics, a rare feat in Bollywood
Trade Expert Taran Adarsh on Vicky Kaushal’s Stardom
Talking about Vicky Kaushal’s journey, trade expert Taran Adarsh believes Chhaava is the actor’s flight to superstardom. He says:
*”As an actor, whether it’s Masaan, Manmarziyaan, Bad Newz, or Sam Bahadur, Vicky has always delivered his best, irrespective of the film’s fate. You simply cannot say that he has ever given a bad performance. And now, with Chhaava, he has proven himself once again, portraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with great conviction.From a business perspective, if you look at his past films, he never opened in double digits except for Sanju and Dunki—where he had significant roles but they were primarily Ranbir Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan films. But with Chhaava, he did it, and he did it with a bang. It opened with Rs 30 crore-plus on day 1. Yes, the Valentine’s Day celebrations aided it, but mind you, it wasn’t a quintessential Valentine’s release either.”
“ Even on weekdays, the film has been averaging Rs 20 crore per day. Many films don’t even get an opening like this. Of course, it’s not just Vicky but the entire film, the emotion attached to the story, and the subject matter, especially in Maharashtra, that have driven these big numbers. But since he is the lead actor, he is bound to benefit from its success.With Chhaava, he has taken a flight to superstardom. In our industry, you may be a fantastic actor or a terrible actor, but if you deliver numbers, that’s all that matters” he added.
Acclaimed director Madhur Bhandarkar also recently took to Twitter to praise Vicky’s performance in Chhaava, he wrote, ” Watched #Chhaava and I’m stunned!
@vickykaushal09delivers a powerhouse performance that truly showcases his incredible range as an actor he deserves all the awards! Kudos to director
@Laxman10072for crafting such a historically intense narrative. The last 30-minute brutal torture sequence is a masterclass in tension and emotion, depicting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s suffering raw & unrelenting. It’s truly a film that leaves you breathless!”