Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna's latest film, "Dhurandhar," is making waves at the box office, having surpassed ₹400 crore in India and ₹600 crore worldwide. Released on December 5, the film has exceeded expectations and is now poised to challenge the records set by Ranbir Kapoor's "Animal".
Directed by Aditya Dhar, "Dhurandhar" has collected ₹411.25 crore net in India in just 12 days. Globally, the film has earned ₹639 crore, surpassing the lifetime collections of blockbusters like "Sultan", "Leo", and "Jailer". This spy thriller is on track to cross the ₹500 crore mark in India soon and is predicted by some to potentially become the first Bollywood film to reach ₹700 crore domestically.
The film's success is particularly notable considering its performance in the second week. "Dhurandhar" has achieved the biggest second week ever for a Hindi film, surpassing ₹200 crore net within just five days. On its second Monday, the film earned ₹31.80 crore, surpassing "Pushpa 2", "Stree 2", and "Chhaava".
"Dhurandhar" tells the story of an Indian spy, Hamza, who infiltrates Pakistan's crime world. Inspired by real-life events, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the film delves into the nexus between Pakistani gangs, politicians, and the ISI. The movie is divided into chapters, a storytelling style that sets it apart from typical commercial films.
Ranveer Singh's performance is being lauded as a career-best, with critics noting his versatility and intensity. Akshaye Khanna also receives praise for his portrayal of a Lyari gangster. The film features an ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and R Madhavan.
Comparisons have been drawn between "Dhurandhar" and Ranbir Kapoor's "Animal," as both are action films with violence and were released in December with top millennial stars. However, the films differ in their themes and treatment of violence. "Animal" grossed ₹917.82 crore worldwide. While "Animal" had a stronger opening weekend, "Dhurandhar" has shown remarkable momentum in its second week, leading to predictions that it will eventually surpass "Animal" at the box office.
Despite its long runtime of 3 hours and 32 minutes, "Dhurandhar" has been praised for its high-octane action sequences and compelling performances. Some reviewers felt that the writing in the second half was not as strong, and the climax could have had a stronger punch. The film's music, featuring remixes of older hits, adds to the viewing experience.
With its strong box office performance and positive word-of-mouth, "Dhurandhar" is poised to continue its successful run. A sequel is already planned for release on March 19, 2026, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this action-packed spy thriller.
