In the world of Bollywood, big hits come and go, but some films make history. Dhurandhar, starring the energetic Ranveer Singh, is one such movie. Released on December 5, 2025, this spy action thriller has taken the box office by storm. It has now become the highest-grossing Bollywood film worldwide, excluding China, beating Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. This achievement has made headlines and excited fans everywhere.
Dhurandhar tells a gripping story of spies, criminals, and betrayals. It follows a network of people in the underworld whose lives cross in exciting ways. They deal with secret operations and espionage. The plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with twists and high-stakes action. Directed by Aditya Dhar, known for his hit film Uri: The Surgical Strike, Dhurandhar brings a fresh take on the spy genre. Dhar’s direction mixes real-life inspired events with thrilling fiction, making it appealing to a wide audience.
Star-Studded Cast Shines Bright
The film’s success owes a lot to its strong cast. Ranveer Singh plays the lead role of Hamza Ali Mazari, also known as Jasikirat Singh Rangi. His performance is intense and full of energy, showing his range as an actor. Singh transforms into a tough spy, handling action scenes and emotional moments with ease. Fans praise his dedication, from his physical changes to his powerful dialogues.
Supporting him is a talented group of actors. Akshaye Khanna plays Rehman Dakait, bringing depth to the villain’s role. Sanjay Dutt appears as SP Chaudhary Aslam, adding his signature tough-guy charm. R. Madhavan portrays Ajay, and Arjun Rampal also stars in a key part. Young actress Sara Arjun adds a fresh touch. This ensemble cast works well together, making the story more engaging.
The chemistry between the actors is a highlight. Singh and Khanna’s face-offs are tense and exciting. Dutt’s scenes bring authority and drama. Overall, the cast’s performances have been a big reason for the film’s popularity.
Box Office Numbers That Stun
Let’s look at the numbers that tell the story of Dhurandhar’s success. As of January 3, 2026, the film has collected Rs. 784.50 crore nett in India. The gross in India stands at Rs. 926.21 crore. Overseas, it has earned Rs. 237.84 crore gross. Worldwide, the total is a massive Rs. 1164.05 crore.
These figures have pushed Dhurandhar past Jawan’s worldwide collection of Rs. 1148.32 crore (excluding China). Jawan, released in 2023, was a huge hit with Rs. 643.87 crore nett in India and strong overseas earnings. But Dhurandhar made up for lower overseas numbers with a record-breaking run in India.
The film entered the Rs. 800 crore club in just 30 days. It is expected to cross Rs. 850 crore soon and aim for Rs. 875 crore or more in its lifetime. Even on weekdays, it held strong, with single-digit drops after the holiday season. This steady performance shows how much audiences love it.
Compared to other big films, Dhurandhar stands out. It has beaten records set by films like Pathaan and Animal in certain markets. In India, its nett collection is among the highest ever for a Bollywood movie. Overseas, while not as strong as some, it still drew crowds in places like the US, UK, and Middle East.
Why Dhurandhar is a Hit: Key Factors
What makes Dhurandhar so successful? First, the direction by Aditya Dhar is top-notch. He knows how to build tension and deliver action that feels real. The film’s pacing is fast, with no dull moments. The screenplay keeps things moving, blending action, drama, and a bit of emotion.
Second, Ranveer Singh’s star power plays a big role. After hits like Simmba and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, he has a huge fan base. His promotion of the film, including intense posters and trailers, built hype. Social media buzz helped spread the word.
Third, the timing of the release was perfect. Coming out on December 5, 2025, it caught the holiday season vibe. Families and young viewers flocked to theaters during Christmas and New Year breaks. Positive word-of-mouth spread quickly, bringing more people in.
The action sequences are another draw. Choreographed with high production values, they include chases, fights, and explosions that rival Hollywood films. The music, composed by a talented team, adds to the thrill. Songs and background scores fit the spy theme well.
Critics have given mixed to positive reviews. Many praise the performances and direction, though some note the plot has familiar elements. But audience ratings are high, with over 80% approval on sites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
Challenges and Controversies
Every big film faces some hurdles. Dhurandhar had competition from other releases around the holidays. But it stood strong, thanks to its engaging story. There were no major controversies, unlike some films that face backlash over content. This clean run helped its box office.
One notable fact is that Dhurandhar is inspired by real events in the world of espionage and crime. Director Aditya Dhar drew from true stories to make it authentic. This adds a layer of interest for viewers who like based-on-true-events films.
Looking Ahead: OTT Release and More
The success doesn’t stop at theaters. Dhurandhar is set for its OTT debut on Netflix in January 2026. This will reach even more viewers who missed it on the big screen. Netflix’s global platform could boost its overseas numbers further.
Talk of a sequel is already buzzing. Given its record-breaking run, producers might greenlight Dhurandhar 2 soon. Ranveer Singh has hinted at more stories in this universe. Fans are eager for updates.
In Bollywood, 2026 looks promising with films like Ramayana and Alpha coming up. But Dhurandhar has set a high bar. It shows that good storytelling, strong performances, and smart marketing can lead to massive success.
Impact on Bollywood Industry
Dhurandhar’s triumph is good news for Bollywood. After some tough years, big hits like this boost confidence. It proves that action thrillers with stars can draw crowds. Producers are likely to invest more in similar genres.
For Ranveer Singh, this is a career high. It cements his place as a top actor who can carry a film to record levels. Director Aditya Dhar also gains more fame, opening doors for future projects.
In summary, Dhurandhar is not just a movie; it’s a phenomenon. Its box office success, engaging plot, and stellar cast have made it a must-watch. As it continues to break records, it inspires the industry and delights fans. If you haven’t seen it yet, catch it on Netflix soon. Bollywood is alive and kicking with films like this.
