As 2025 draws to a close, the Indian film industry reflects on a year marked by diverse cinematic offerings and significant box office triumphs. Among the standout performers are two films that have captivated audiences and critics alike: Aditya Dhar's Hindi-language spy action thriller, "Dhurandhar," and Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee's Bengali political action thriller, "Raktabeej 2." These monolingual blockbusters showcase the power of compelling storytelling and strong performances in resonating with regional and national audiences.
"Dhurandhar," starring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Sanjay Dutt, has emerged as the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2025. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is the first installment in a planned two-part series. "Dhurandhar" is a spy action thriller that follows an undercover agent infiltrating Karachi's criminal and political underworld. The film's plot is inspired by real-life incidents and geopolitical conflicts, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Released on December 5, 2025, "Dhurandhar" has garnered praise for its ensemble cast performances, action sequences, and production values, though its runtime received some criticism. The film has earned over ₹1,051 crore globally and is poised to break records. Filming locations for "Dhurandhar" spanned across India and Thailand, including Punjab, Maharashtra, Ladakh, and Bangkok, enhancing the film's narrative and visual scale.
In the realm of Bengali cinema, "Raktabeej 2" has made a significant impact. Directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, the film is a sequel to the 2023 film "Raktabeej". The political action thriller delves into cross-border terrorism and its impact on the relationship between India and Bangladesh. Inspired by the security challenges during former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's 2013 visit to Bangladesh, the film follows a high-stakes investigation led by IG Pankaj Sinha and SP Sanjukta Mitra, portrayed by Abir Chatterjee and Mimi Chakraborty, respectively. The film also stars Victor Banerjee, Ankush Hazra, and Seema Biswas. "Raktabeej 2" was released on September 25, 2025, during the Durga Puja festival, and has been praised for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of political intrigue. The movie has generated substantial viewership on OTT platforms like ZEE5. "Raktabeej 2" reflects a world where local incidents escalate into international crises.
Both "Dhurandhar" and "Raktabeej 2" exemplify the power of regional cinema to captivate audiences with their unique stories and cultural contexts. While "Dhurandhar" has taken the Bollywood box office by storm with its high-octane action and star-studded cast, "Raktabeej 2" has resonated with Bengali audiences through its exploration of relevant political themes and strong performances. These films highlight the strength and diversity of the Indian film industry, demonstrating the ability of monolingual cinema to achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. They have not only entertained audiences but also sparked conversations about important social and political issues, solidifying their place as memorable and impactful films of 2025.
