2025 proved to be a landmark year for both Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh, with the two actors delivering some of their most talked-about performances. Vicky left a strong impact with his powerful turn as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Laxman Utekar’s ‘Chhaava’, while Ranveer impressed audiences and critics alike with his role as an Indian intelligence operative in Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’.Despite being rooted in different cinematic spaces, the two films shared a strong undercurrent of nationalism and went on to achieve massive commercial success, each crossing the ₹500 crore mark worldwide. When asked if patriotism-based narratives have become a guaranteed box-office formula, Vicky highlighted that such themes demand sincerity rather than strategy.
Speaking to NDTV, the actor said, “I think patriotism can’t be a formula and saying it is a formula is an insult to the emotion. Patriotism is our truth, which we will keep showing through our movies, literature and sports.”He further added, “This is the way we can put our foot in the door and say that we are proud of the diversity, legacy and the truth of our country. I am so proud that I am a little part of this big moment where we are fearlessly representing India on a global map.”‘Chhaava’ is based on the celebrated Marathi novel written by Shivaji Sawant and chronicles the nine-year rule of Sambhaji Maharaj, highlighting his fearless resistance against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Besides Vicky, the historical drama stars Rashmika Mandanna as Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale and Akshaye Khanna in the role of Aurangzeb. The film also features Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh and Diana Penty in pivotal roles.In contrast, ‘Dhurandhar’ unfolds as a high-octane espionage thriller. Ranveer Singh plays Hamza, an Indian undercover agent who enters the dangerous Lyari underworld in Karachi with the mission to break a powerful terror syndicate from within. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun RampalSara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi.
