In a stunning display of box office dominance, Aditya Dhar's espionage thriller Dhurandhar has achieved a monumental feat, crossing the ₹800 crore mark in worldwide collections within a mere 17 days of its release. The film, headlined by Ranveer Singh, has now officially become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, surpassing other major releases like Chhaava and closing in on the lifetime global numbers of Kantara: Chapter 1.
The Five Pillars of Dhurandhar's Unprecedented Success
What makes this achievement truly remarkable is the film's gritty, realistic tone and its restrictive 'A' certificate, factors that typically limit mass commercial appeal. Yet, Dhurandhar has defied all conventional wisdom, powered by a perfect storm of creative excellence and strategic market positioning. Here are the five core elements driving its historic run.
1. A Stellar Cast and Akshaye Khanna's Defining Role
The film's strength is amplified by its powerhouse ensemble. While Ranveer Singh leads from the front, it is Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of Rehman Dakait that has emerged as a critical and audience favourite. His measured, menacing performance is cited as a key ingredient adding dramatic depth. Supported by seasoned actors like R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and young talent Sara Arjun, the cast has provided immense narrative credibility, helping sustain strong word-of-mouth through non-festive weekdays.
2. Technical Mastery and Groundbreaking Sound Design
Director Aditya Dhar, known for Uri: The Surgical Strike, doubles down on a raw, meticulously researched approach to espionage. Moving away from larger-than-life tropes, the film's grounded realism creates an authentic urgency that deeply resonates. This is supercharged by exceptional technical craft. The cinematography immerses viewers in tense urban landscapes, while the sound design, led by Shashwat Sachdev's pulsating score, has been hailed as a 'lead actor' itself, driving repeat viewings and bolstering its commercial stamina.
3. The Audacious 'Red Screen' and 26/11 Narrative Pivot
In a bold cinematic move, Dhar halts the narrative to directly address the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Instead of a dramatic recreation, the screen turns red, displaying only the actual transcripts between the terrorists and their handlers. This 'Red Screen' moment acts as a psychological turning point for Ranveer's character, Hamza, justifying his ruthless quest for retribution. It has become one of the most discussed and impactful sequences of the year, forcing introspection and deepening audience investment.
4. Ranveer Singh's Subdued, Career-Best Performance
Known for his flamboyant energy, Ranveer Singh delivers a masterclass in restraint as undercover operative Hamza. His intensely focused, internalised performance has won widespread acclaim, showcasing a broader emotional range that perfectly complements the film's serious themes. This understated acting choice has significantly appealed to discerning viewers and contributed to the film's sustained footfall.
5. Powerful Word-of-Mouth and Lack of Direct Competition
Dhurandhar's third-weekend performance, crucial for its push towards ₹900 crore, is fueled by exceptional audience recommendations. It has held its ground against Hollywood giants like Avatar: Fire and Ash, posting robust occupancy and strong weekend uplifts domestically. Furthermore, the absence of a major competing Hindi film has allowed it to dominate screens and audience mindspace, extending its theatrical shelf life well beyond the typical third-week drop-off.
On the Cusp of the ₹1000 Crore Elite Club
With the film now firmly past ₹800 crore and eyeing the ₹900 crore milestone, industry analysts are increasingly confident that Dhurandhar is on a clear path to enter the elite ₹1000 crore worldwide club. This would not only cement its status as the commercial pinnacle of 2025 but also validate the potent appeal of narrative-driven, grounded filmmaking in an era often dominated by pure spectacle. The storm created by Dhurandhar is far from over.
