In a stunning turn of events at the North American box office, Ranveer Singh's latest cinematic offering, 'Dhurandhar', has achieved a monumental feat. The film has officially dethroned the Prabhas-starrer sci-fi epic 'Kalki 2898 AD' to claim the title of the second highest-grossing Indian film ever in the region. This historic shift, reported on January 6, 2026, sets the stage for an intense battle for overseas supremacy, with only the legendary 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' now standing in its way.
A New Champion Emerges in Overseas Markets
The North American box office has long been a key battleground for Indian cinema's global ambitions. For months, the position was held firmly by 'Kalki 2898 AD', a film that captivated audiences with its futuristic vision. However, the relentless performance of 'Dhurandhar' has rewritten that narrative. The film's powerful storyline and Ranveer Singh's celebrated performance have resonated deeply with the diaspora and mainstream audiences alike, leading to sustained ticket sales that propelled it past the previous record-holder.
This achievement is not just a win for the film's team but a significant moment for Hindi cinema, proving its robust appeal in competitive international markets. The race to the top spot is now squarely between 'Dhurandhar' and the seemingly untouchable 'Baahubali 2', which continues to hold the crown for the highest collections by an Indian film in North America.
Industry Reactions and Ripple Effects
The success of 'Dhurandhar' has sent waves through the Indian film industry, prompting reactions from various quarters. Notably, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap reacted to the film's success, leaving behind a mysterious political warning that has sparked much speculation. Meanwhile, in a related revelation, actress Yami Gautam disclosed that she had personally asked for a role in 'Dhurandhar', but her husband and director Aditya Dhar said no.
The film's triumph also coincides with other major industry news. Agastya Nanda's film 'Ikkis' entered the all-time debut top five, while veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan admitted to feeling 'stuck' after wrapping up the latest season of Kaun Banega Crorepati. Furthermore, Akshaye Khanna has joined the Prashanth Varma universe as Shukracharya, adding to the buzz around expanding cinematic worlds.
The Road Ahead for Indian Cinema's Global March
The dramatic ascent of 'Dhurandhar' signifies more than just a box office ranking change. It highlights the evolving tastes of the global audience and the growing power of content-driven cinema that transcends regional boundaries. Analysts are now keenly watching to see if 'Dhurandhar' can maintain its momentum and potentially challenge the historic numbers set by 'Baahubali 2'.
This development has ignited conversations about the future of Hindi and pan-Indian cinema on the world stage. With projects like 'King', 'Ramayan', and talks of a 'Dhurandhar 2' already in the discourse, industry experts believe this could be a transformative period. The competition for the North American crown is officially hotter than ever, promising an exciting new chapter for Indian films abroad.
