This man’s journey to becoming one of Bollywood’s top-most filmmaker has not been an easy one. Have a look!
Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava is truly unstoppable at the box office. The historical action drama has grossed Rs 500 crore at the box office. One of 2025’s biggest Bollywood films, it is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal. The film also features Akshaye Khanna as Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Divya Dutta, and Diana Penty in pivotal roles.
Chhaava is directed by Laxman Utekar, who is considered as one of Bollywood’s top filmmakers. He began his career as a cinematographer in Hindi cinema with English Vinglish and Dear Zindagi. Later, he made his directorial debut in 2014 with the Marathi film Tapaal. He went on to direct several Hindi romantic comedies including Luka Chuppi, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and Mimi.
However, many don’t know that Utekar’s journey to success wasn’t an easy one. Born and raised in Maharashtra, he doesn’t belong to a film family and had no connections in the industry when he started. To survive in Mumbai, he did various odd jobs during her initial struggling days. According to Aaj Tak, he sold vada pav, worked in film studios, swept floors there, just to learn the craft of filmmaking.
Later, his dedication and sincerity led him to cinematography before his directorial debut. With his talent and perseverance, he went on to deliver several notable films in the industry. However, his latest directorial Chhaava has catapulted him to new heights. The film has not only earned Rs 500 crore globally, but is also 2025’s biggest Bollywood opening film. With the success of Chhaava, Laxman Utekar has indeed become one of Bollywood’s most successful directors.
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