The Vicky Kaushal-starrer film Chhaava is making waves in theaters, emerging as one of the biggest Bollywood hits of 2025 and consistently breaking new box office records. Released just 13 days ago, it has already crossed the 500 million gross mark worldwide. Vicky Kaushal, who portrays Chhatrapati Sambhaji, is being widely praised, and his stardom continues to rise. Yet behind this cinematic success lies the true hero: director Laxman Utekar.
Laxman Utekar’s journey is a story in itself—a tale of ambition, perseverance, and learning life’s lessons outside the confines of a film school. At the tender age of four, Laxman left his village to live in Mumbai with his uncle. Even as a child, he embraced hard work; during school holidays, he would return to his village, but in Mumbai he quickly learned the value of every opportunity. His first job was selling Vada Pav at Shivaji Park—a task he undertook with genuine care and dedication, winning the hearts of his customers. When the BMC eventually confiscated his handcart, Laxman felt a bittersweet relief, marking a turning point in his life.
One day, a newspaper ad for a studio sweeper changed everything. Laxman began working at a Mumbai studio, quickly progressing from sweeper to camera attendant, then rising through the ranks as a final cameraman and assistant cinematographer. His first foray into directing came when he shot a promo for Anthony D’Souza, which led to a music video opportunity. Impressed by his work, filmmaker Subhash Ghai invited Laxman to shoot Khanna and Iyer, setting him on a path that included contributions to films such as Blue, English Vinglish, Dear Zindagi, Hindi Medium, and 102 Not Out.
Eager to tell his own stories, Laxman transitioned to directing full-length films. He made his debut in Marathi cinema with Tapal, a heartfelt tale of a child writing a letter to a childhood friend. His second Marathi film, Lalbagchi Rani, tells the poignant story of a mentally challenged girl lost in Mumbai. These early ventures were both emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted, laying the groundwork for his success in Hindi cinema.
Laxman’s big break in Bollywood came with Luka Chuppi, starring Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon—a romantic comedy that grossed over 100 crores at the box office. He then reunited with Kriti in Mimi, a film that not only captivated audiences but also earned National Award nominations (with Kriti Sanon winning Best Actress and Pankaj Tripathi securing Best Supporting Actor). His subsequent film, Jara Hatke Jara Bachke, starring Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, further proved his prowess by collecting over 100 crores worldwide. While working with Vicky in that project, Laxman envisioned Chhaava and cast him once again—a decision that has clearly paid off.
A common thread in Laxman’s films is his ability to evoke genuine emotion. His life experiences—from selling Vada Pav on Mumbai’s streets to gazing at airplanes during village visits—have given him a unique sensitivity to the subtleties of human emotion. Laxman once remarked that although some describe his life as “strict,” he found it fun and profoundly inspiring. These experiences empower him to craft scenes that resonate deeply with audiences, whether capturing moments of quiet introspection or powerful bursts of emotion.
Now, with Chhaava breaking records and garnering widespread acclaim, the public eagerly awaits the next move from the director behind 2025’s biggest Hindi film. Laxman Utekar’s remarkable journey—from humble beginnings to directing blockbuster films—is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the transformative magic of cinema.
