Dhurandhar, the action-packed spy thriller starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has stormed into the top 10 highest-grossing Indian films of all time, securing the 10th position. The film's impressive box office run has led it to dethrone Ranbir Kapoor's "Animal" from the coveted list.
Released on December 5, 2025, "Dhurandhar" has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping narrative and stellar performances. As of December 20, 2025, the film has grossed ₹641.55 crore (US$76 million) domestically and ₹163.55 crore (US$19 million) overseas, accumulating a worldwide gross of ₹805.10 crore (US$95 million). Recent reports indicate that the movie has already crossed ₹812 crore. This remarkable achievement underscores the film's widespread appeal and commercial success.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, "Dhurandhar" has received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. The film has been lauded for its ensemble cast, particularly the performances of Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, as well as Aditya Dhar's direction, cinematography, action sequences, music, world-building, and production values. However, the film's extensive 214-minute runtime and pacing have faced some criticism.
Despite the mixed reviews, "Dhurandhar" has resonated strongly with audiences, becoming a major commercial success. The movie has been described as a well-made, ambitious big-screen experience with top-notch craft and memorable moments. Some critics have noted the film's ability to keep viewers invested, praising its realistic and intense portrayal of a spy thriller.
The film's plot centers around an Indian agent, Hamza, played by Ranveer Singh, who goes undercover in Pakistan to dismantle terrorist networks. Inspired by real-life events involving geopolitical tensions, the film incorporates elements of the 1999 IC-814 hijack, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Akshaye Khanna plays a pivotal role, delivering a compelling performance that has been particularly praised.
"Dhurandhar"'s success can be attributed to its unique approach to the spy genre, diverging from typical commercial portrayals. The film's grounded and intense narrative, combined with strong characterizations, has resonated with audiences seeking a more realistic and engaging cinematic experience.
With its entry into the top 10 highest-grossing Indian films, "Dhurandhar" has surpassed the lifetime collection of Ranbir Kapoor's "Animal," which had grossed over ₹900 crore worldwide. "Animal", despite its commercial success, had faced criticism for its depiction of misogyny and violence. "Dhurandhar"'s rise to the top signifies a shift in audience preferences, highlighting a demand for well-crafted, realistic stories.
Looking ahead, a direct sequel, "Dhurandhar: Part 2 – Revenge," is slated for release on March 19, 2026. The success of "Dhurandhar" has set high expectations for the sequel, and audiences eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this gripping spy saga. As "Dhurandhar" continues its successful run in theaters, it is poised to achieve even greater milestones, potentially joining the elite ₹1000 crore club.
