The espionage thriller 'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar, is demonstrating remarkable staying power at the box office, showing no signs of slowing down even in its third week since release. The film, which hit theaters on December 5, 2025, is set against the gritty backdrop of Karachi's Lyari Town in Pakistan. Interestingly, the movie has managed to capture significant attention and appreciation from audiences in the neighboring country itself.
Naveen Kaushik Decodes the Cross-Border Appeal
In a recent conversation with Live Hindustan, actor Naveen Kaushik, who played the character Donga in the film, shed light on the positive reactions streaming in from Pakistan. Kaushik revealed that he has actively observed feedback from across the border and identified a key reason for the film's acceptance there.
"I have noticed one thing in the comments coming from there," Kaushik shared. "They have pointed out that in the film, we haven't abused the people of Pakistan, nor have we criticized them." He emphasized that the narrative consciously avoids targeting the common citizen or the Muslim community.
A Nuanced Narrative Targeting Corruption, Not a Nation
Kaushik elaborated that the film's creative effort was focused on highlighting a specific corrupt system and the agents within it. "The attempt has been to spotlight the corrupt individuals within that system, or the agents who misused the entire environment and created situations where attacks on India were orchestrated," he explained.
This nuanced approach, according to the actor, has resonated deeply with Pakistani viewers who recognize a shared reality. "So, the people there are also recognizing it, saying, 'Yes, these are the people who are also ruining our country,'" Kaushik stated. He believes this relatability is a primary driver of the love the film is receiving from audiences in Pakistan.
Star-Studded Cast and Sequel Plans
Featuring a powerhouse ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, 'Dhurandhar' has made a strong impact. The film's success has already paved the way for a sequel, which is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on March 19, 2026.
The film's continued box office performance and its unexpected bridge-building reception underscore a shift towards more layered storytelling in the espionage genre. By focusing on systemic corruption rather than nationalistic caricatures, 'Dhurandhar' has managed to entertain while fostering a rare moment of cross-border cinematic understanding.
