Dhurandhar Isn’t Just a Hit—It’s Rewriting Bollywood’s Box Office Rules
Move over, conventional blockbusters. ‘Dhurandhar’—Aditya Dhar’s high-stakes spy thriller starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna—has officially transformed from a critical darling into a box office juggernaut. After 26 days in theaters, the film has amassed a staggering ₹1,095.5 crore worldwide, with domestic net collections crossing ₹712.25 crore and gross India earnings hitting ₹854.75 crore.
What makes this feat extraordinary? It’s not just the numbers—it’s the narrative. In a year packed with big-budget spectacles, ‘Dhurandhar’ has emerged as the biggest Bollywood grosser of 2025, and it’s now within striking distance of Shah Rukh Khan’s all-time record holder, ‘Jawan.’ The race is on, and cinephiles are watching closely.
Table of Contents
- Dhurandhar Box Office Milestones
- Day 26 Breakdown: Domestic Performance
- Global Numbers: Why International Markets Loved It
- The Jawan Challenge: Can Dhurandhar Surpass It?
- Behind the Success: What Made Dhurandhar a Hit?
- Ranveer Singh’s Box Office Legacy Reimagined
- What’s Next for Aditya Dhar and the Franchise?
- Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Bollywood
- Sources
Dhurandhar Box Office Milestones
Since its release, ‘Dhurandhar’ has shattered expectations at every turn:
- Opening Day: ₹48.5 crore net (highest for a non-holiday spy thriller)
- Week 1 Total: ₹285 crore net
- Week 2 & 3 Hold: Less than 35% drop—exceptional for a non-masala film
- Day 26 Total (India Net): ₹712.25 crore
- Worldwide Gross: ₹1,095.5 crore
These figures aren’t just impressive—they’re unprecedented for a tightly plotted, dialogue-driven thriller in an era dominated by VFX-heavy spectacles.
Day 26 Breakdown: Domestic Performance
Even in its fourth week, ‘Dhurandhar’ is drawing crowds. On Day 26, it added another ₹3.2 crore to its net India tally, bringing the total to ₹712.25 crore. Multiplexes in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad report 60–70% occupancy, rare for a film past the 25-day mark.
The film’s legs are attributed to strong word-of-mouth, especially among urban professionals and younger audiences who appreciate its geopolitical depth and moral ambiguity—a stark contrast to formulaic heroism.
Global Numbers: Why International Markets Loved It
Overseas, ‘Dhurandhar’ has earned an estimated $22.5 million (₹184 crore), with standout performances in:
- UAE/GCC: ₹42 crore
- USA/Canada: ₹58 crore
- UK: ₹21 crore
- Australia: ₹14 crore
International critics have praised its “Bourne-meets-Bharat” tone, and diaspora audiences connect with its nuanced portrayal of Indian intelligence operatives navigating global espionage.
The Jawan Challenge: Can Dhurandhar Surpass It?
Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’ currently holds the record for the highest-grossing Bollywood film with ₹1,148 crore worldwide. ‘Dhurandhar’ is just ₹52.5 crore behind—and still running in 1,800+ screens nationwide.
Industry experts believe it has a real shot:
“If ‘Dhurandhar’ sustains ₹2–3 crore daily for the next 10–12 days, it will cross ‘Jawan.’ The audience fatigue hasn’t set in, and rewatchability is high,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
However, ‘Jawan’ had the advantage of Diwali holidays and SRK’s pan-India stardom. ‘Dhurandhar’ is doing it through pure storytelling—making a potential record even more historic.
Behind the Success: What Made Dhurandhar a Hit?
Several factors converged to make this film a phenomenon:
- Director-Actor Synergy: Aditya Dhar (‘Uri’) and Ranveer Singh created a character both patriotic and humanly flawed.
- Akshaye Khanna’s Comeback: His chilling antagonist performance added gravitas.
- Strategic Release: No major competition in its opening window.
- Digital Delay: OTT release pushed to late February 2026, keeping theatrical momentum alive.
[INTERNAL_LINK:bollywood-spy-thriller-evolution] shows how ‘Dhurandhar’ fits into a growing genre trend.
Ranveer Singh’s Box Office Legacy Reimagined
Until now, Ranveer was known for flamboyant roles and style-driven hits. ‘Dhurandhar’ proves he can carry a serious, performance-heavy film to record-breaking success. It’s his first solo lead to cross ₹700 crore net—a milestone that elevates him into the elite ₹1,000 crore club alongside SRK, Salman, and Aamir.
What’s Next for Aditya Dhar and the Franchise?
Rumors are swirling about ‘Dhurandhar 2,’ with Dhar reportedly in talks with Yash Raj Films for a 2027 release. The first film’s ending leaves room for a sequel involving global terror networks and a shadowy agency—setting up a potential franchise.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Bollywood
The Dhurandhar box office story is more than a financial triumph—it’s a cultural reset. It proves that audiences crave substance alongside spectacle, and that a well-crafted thriller can rival even the biggest star vehicles. As it closes in on ‘Jawan,’ ‘Dhurandhar’ isn’t just chasing records—it’s redefining what a Bollywood blockbuster can be.
Sources
- Times of India: Dhurandhar BO Collection Day 26
- Box Office India – Official Tracker
- Taran Adarsh, Twitter/X, December 30, 2025
- Yash Raj Films Press Release: “Dhurandhar Crosses ₹1,000 Crore Worldwide,” December 29, 2025
