Is Vicky Kaushal The Next Superstar?

Thirty six year old Vicky Kaushal is rapidly emerging as the new superstar of the Indian film industry, particularly following the phenomenal success of Chhaava directed by Laxman Utekar. The film has made waves at the box office, grossing over Rs 400 crore plus in just 10 days, marking a significant relief for the exhibition industry, which has been in dire need of such a blockbuster. Chhaava’s success reinforces Kaushal’s status as a leading figure in contemporary cinema. Examining his filmography reveals a trajectory of impressive versatility. While his previous film, Bad News was met with average reviews, his performances in Sam Bahadur and Zara HatKe Zara Bachke showcased his ability to connect with audiences. Kaushal’s breakout role in Uri: The Surgical Strike catapulted him to commercial success, and he has since delivered commendable performances in supporting roles in films like Sanju, Dunki and Raman Raghav 2.0. Vicky’s filmography is a testament to his range, encompassing biopics like Sardar Udham Singh anthology films like Lust Stories and commercial ventures such as Govinda Mera Naam. His journey began as an assistant to Anurag Kashyap, and he has since evolved from art-house films to mainstream cinema. As the veteran superstars — Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan — become increasingly selective with their projects, and with contemporaries like Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh also taking fewer roles, Vicky Kaushal stands poised to fill that void. His versatility and consistent performances suggest that he is not just a rising star but a potential new pillar of the industry.