Indian cinema has witnessed a monumental achievement as the spy-action thriller 'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh, has stormed into the exclusive ₹1,000 crore worldwide club. The film accomplished this staggering feat in a mere 21 days following its release in late December 2025, cementing its status as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year so far.
Dhurandhar's Historic Sprint to the ₹1000 Crore Milestone
This milestone is particularly noteworthy because 'Dhurandhar' is not a conventional mass entertainer. It is a politically charged, adult-rated espionage drama, a genre that typically appeals to a more segmented audience. However, propelled by powerful word-of-mouth, consistent theatre attendance, and remarkable overseas performance, the film has defied expectations. With an estimated global collection of ₹1,007 crore, it now proudly sits as the ninth Indian film ever to cross this coveted financial threshold.
The film's rapid ascent places it among the fastest entries into the club, showcasing its immense popularity. While 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' still holds the absolute speed record, 'Dhurandhar's three-week journey to a thousand crore is a testament to its widespread acceptance. In the domestic market alone, the film had amassed over ₹640 crore by its 22nd day, underscoring its pan-India appeal.
The Elite ₹1000 Crore Club: A Showcase of Pan-Indian Power
The ₹1,000 crore club remains one of the most prestigious accolades in Indian filmmaking, a domain dominated by event cinema designed for cross-border appeal. Since Aamir Khan's 'Dangal' first broke the barrier in 2016, only a handful of films have managed to replicate this success. These blockbusters share a common thread: they combine high-octane storytelling with production scale that resonates globally, especially in markets like North America, the Middle East, and Europe.
The current leaders of this exclusive club illustrate the evolving landscape:
- Dangal (2016): Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, it remains the highest-grossing Indian film ever with approximately ₹2,070 crore, finding unprecedented love in China.
- Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024): Allu Arjun's action drama collected nearly ₹1,871 crore, becoming the fastest to enter the club.
- Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017): S.S. Rajamouli's epic fantasy redefined scale, grossing around ₹1,810 crore.
- RRR (2022): Another Rajamouli spectacle, it earned about ₹1,230 crore and achieved rare Western crossover success.
- K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022): Fronted by Yash, this Kannada powerhouse grossed roughly ₹1,215 crore, breaking language barriers.
'Dhurandhar' currently occupies the ninth position, trailing recent hits like 'Kalki 2898 AD' (₹1,042 crore), 'Pathaan' (₹1,055 crore), and 'Jawan' (₹1,160 crore). Its continued steady run, particularly overseas, suggests potential for further climb up the rankings.
Star Power and Storytelling: The New Box Office Formula
The composition of the ₹1,000 crore club reveals significant industry trends. It highlights the sustained dominance of stars who can deliver consistent mega-hits. Before 'Dhurandhar', only Shah Rukh Khan (with 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan') and Prabhas (with 'Baahubali 2' and 'Kalki 2898 AD') had two films each in this elite space. Ranveer Singh's entry with this spy thriller firmly establishes him in this contemporary league of box-office titans.
Furthermore, the club underscores the overwhelming success of pan-Indian and high-concept event films. Whether it's historical fantasy, patriotic action, or, as proven by 'Dhurandhar', a gritty espionage drama, the winning formula involves ambitious narratives crafted for mass appeal across linguistic and cultural divides.
For the year 2025, 'Dhurandhar' stands as the defining commercial success and the first entrant into the thousand-crore league. While other anticipated releases like 'Chhaava' and 'Kantara: Chapter 1' are part of industry discussions, none have matched the pace or global footprint of Aditya Dhar's directorial venture.
Ultimately, 'Dhurandhar's triumph is more than a financial record. It signals a maturing audience, both in India and abroad, that is increasingly receptive to ambitious, high-stakes storytelling within commercial frameworks. As its theatrical journey continues, the industry will keenly watch its final tally, drawing insights into the future economics and creative ambitions of Indian cinema on the world stage.
