Cinema history has been rewritten this December. Dhurandhar, the high-octane espionage thriller that released on December 5, 2025, has officially marched into the elite ₹600 crore club at the Indian domestic net box office. Even more impressive is the film’s global footprint, with overseas collections surpassing the ₹200 crore gross mark, propelling the film toward the legendary ₹1,000 crore worldwide milestone.
What makes this achievement unprecedented is the film’s “A” (Adults Only) certificate from the CBFC. Traditionally, an “A” rating restricts the family audience—a key demographic for reaching such massive numbers. However, Aditya Dhar’s masterful direction and the raw, gritty intensity of the narrative have turned Dhurandhar into a “must-watch” phenomenon that transcends age barriers.
While the domestic market remains the film’s primary engine, its international performance has silenced critics. Crossing ₹200 crore in overseas gross within just three weeks, Dhurandhar has found immense resonance in the UK, USA regions. The film’s focus on geopolitical tension and high-stakes intelligence operations has appealed to the Indian diaspora and international thriller enthusiasts alike.
Trade analysts highlight that the film’s sustained momentum is a result of strong word-of-mouth. Unlike “front-loaded” blockbusters that crash after the first weekend, Dhurandhar has maintained a steady occupancy rate of over 35% on weekdays, even in its third week of release.
The success of Dhurandhar rests on the shoulders of an extraordinary ensemble cast. Ranveer Singh delivers what is being hailed as his most “restrained yet explosive” performance as Hamza Ali Mazari (alias Jaskirat Singh Rangi).
The film also benefits from the gravitas of veteran performers:
- Akshaye Khanna: Steals the show as the menacing Rehman Dakait, with his performance (and a particular viral dance sequence) becoming a cultural sensation.
- R. Madhavan: Portrays a sophisticated intelligence chief, Ajay Sanyal, providing the intellectual core of the mission.
- Sanjay Dutt: Brings raw power to the screen as SP Chaudhary Aslam.
- Arjun Rampal: Plays a pivotal role as Major Iqbal, adding layers to the film’s complex antagonist network.
- Sara Arjun: Delivers a breakthrough performance as Yalina, representing the human cost of the conflict.
Dhurandhar has consistently outperformed its predecessors, eventually overtaking the lifetime domestic collections of other 2025 hits like Chhaava and Stree 2.
Dhurandhar: Domestic Net Milestone Tracker
| Milestone | Days Taken | Achievement |
| ₹100 Crore | 3 Days | Fastest for an “A” rated spy thriller |
| ₹300 Crore | 9 Days | Overtook major holiday releases |
| ₹500 Crore | 16 Days | Fastest Bollywood entry into this club |
| ₹600 Crore | 20 Days | Only the 11th film in Indian history |
“We knew we had a special story, but the love from the audience has been overwhelming,” says director Aditya Dhar. “The ‘A’ rating allowed us to stay true to the brutal reality of undercover operations without compromise, and the box office has proven that the audience respects authenticity.”
At a staggering 3 hours and 34 minutes, Dhurandhar ranks among the longest Indian films ever produced. Yet, the editing ensures that the pace never falters. The film weaves together real-world inspirations—including references to the IC-814 hijacking and the 2008 Mumbai attacks—creating a grounded, “edge-of-the-seat” experience.
The production value, backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, is visible in every frame. From the claustrophobic alleys of Karachi’s Lyari town to the high-tech command centers in Delhi, the film sets a new benchmark for technical excellence in Indian cinema.
The record-breaking run of the first installment has already set the stage for Dhurandhar 2, which is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026. Following the massive demand in South India, the sequel will be released as a multi-language Pan-India project in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
As Dhurandhar continues its theatrical dominance, it remains a testament to the fact that when a director’s vision meets a powerhouse cast, even the most restrictive ratings cannot stop a film from becoming a “Jan Neta” (People’s Leader) at the box office.
