Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
‘Dhurandhar’ Becomes One of Bollywood’s Biggest Hits of 2025
Dhurandhar, the high-octane spy thriller starring Ranveer Singh, has emerged as a massive box office success, collecting over Rs 239 crore in India within just eight days of its release. The film’s exceptional performance has not only made it one of the most significant hits of the year but also positioned it among Ranveer Singh’s biggest grossers ever and one of the top Hindi films of 2025.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar hit theatres on December 5, 2025, and brought together a powerful ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. The film, a fictionalised yet thrilling exploration inspired by real-life espionage and covert operations, has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike for its storyline, ensemble performances and adrenaline-fuelled action sequences.
Record-Breaking Box Office Run
From the beginning, Dhurandhar showed tremendous promise at the box office. Opening to a solid Rs 28 crore nett on its first day, the film witnessed a significant weekend spike, earning Rs 32 crore on its second day and peaking at Rs 43 crore on Sunday — figures that demonstrated strong weekend momentum and positive word-of-mouth from audiences.
The real standout performance came on Day 8 (the second Friday), where Dhurandhar recorded Rs 32 crore — the highest second Friday collection for any Hindi film in 2025. This achievement saw it surpass records previously held by other major releases such as Chhaava and Kantara 2, solidifying its position as a standout performer in the industry this year.
By the end of its first week, Dhurandhar had already crossed the Rs 200 crore mark domestically — a rare feat in an era when only a handful of Bollywood films achieve such numbers within seven days. The film also fared well overseas, with early estimates suggesting a robust international total when combined with domestic collections.
Comparisons and Milestones
Dhurandhar’s box office story becomes even more impressive when placed in the context of 2025’s film landscape. Its total India net collection at around Rs 239 crore — and climbing — already places it among the six biggest hits of the year, surpassing major releases like War 2 and giving stiff competition to other high-profile films.
In terms of Ranveer Singh’s career, Dhurandhar is now poised to be his second highest-grossing film, trailing only behind his 2018 blockbuster Padmaavat, which raked in over Rs 300 crore at the Indian box office. It has comfortably overtaken Simmba — one of Ranveer’s other commercial successes — and continues to climb as more screens and shows are added to meet sustained audience demand.
What’s Driving Audience Appeal?
Several factors can be credited for Dhurandhar’s success:
- Action-Packed Narrative: The film blends espionage, drama and high-stakes action in a way that resonates with mass audiences, particularly during the festive season when viewers are seeking engaging cinematic experiences.
- Star Power: Ranveer Singh’s performance has been widely praised for its intensity and screen presence. Combined with strong support from veteran actors like Sanjay Dutt and versatile performers such as Akshaye Khanna and R. Madhavan, Dhurandhar offers a cast that appeals across demographics.
- Positive Word-of-Mouth: Despite initial mixed reviews from critics, the film’s gripping plot and production values have translated into repeat viewership, helping maintain high weekday collections — a key indicator of strong audience reception.
- Strategic Release Timing: With few major Bollywood releases clashing in early December, Dhurandhar capitalised on a relatively open window at the box office, allowing it to build momentum without intense competition.
International Response and Controversies
While Dhurandhar has enjoyed significant success domestically, its international run has seen mixed responses, according to some trade reports. The film was reportedly banned in several Gulf countries due to content sensitive to local geopolitical norms, limiting its footprint in that region. However, in markets like the UK, Canada and parts of Europe, Dhurandhar has drawn solid box office numbers, contributing to its worldwide tally of over Rs 300 crore within seven days of release.
Cultural and Industry Impact
The success of Dhurandhar comes at a time when Bollywood is experimenting with a mix of content-driven films and star-led blockbusters. Its performance demonstrates that high-concept action thrillers with strong ensemble casts can still generate blockbuster returns, even against the backdrop of a global cinema landscape dominated by Hollywood tentpoles and international streaming releases.
Industry experts have cited Dhurandhar’s stable weekday collections as a sign of deep audience engagement — a pattern traditionally seen with films that benefit from strong word-of-mouth and emotional resonance beyond initial hype. This trend suggests that Bollywood’s audience may be prioritising cinematic content that offers more than just star spectacle.
Looking Ahead
With its box office numbers continuing to grow, Dhurandhar is already eyeing new milestones. Trade trackers predict that if current trends persist into the second weekend and beyond, the film could well exceed Rs 250 crore domestically and possibly aim for a Rs 500 crore worldwide club — a prestigious benchmark for Bollywood releases.
Moreover, the film’s success has paved the way for an eagerly awaited sequel, Dhurandhar: Part 2 – Revenge, scheduled for release in March 2026. Fans and industry observers alike are already speculating whether the next instalment will replicate — or even surpass — the commercial performance of its predecessor.
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