The monumental success of Aditya Dhar's directorial venture Dhurandhar at the global box office, where it has stormed past the staggering Rs 1200 crore mark, has sparked a fascinating shift in industry conversations. While the film has rightfully catapulted its lead, Ranveer Singh, into the coveted Rs 1000 crore club, an even more compelling narrative has emerged, highlighting the quiet consolidation of Sanjay Dutt's already formidable box office legacy.
Sanjay Dutt's Unmatched Box Office Milestone
With Dhurandhar crossing the historic Rs 1000 crore milestone, Sanjay Dutt has now featured in three films that have achieved this landmark: KGF: Chapter 2, Jawan, and Dhurandhar. This remarkable feat makes him the Indian actor with the highest number of Rs 1000 crore grossers to his credit. His consistent presence in these mega-blockbusters, whether as a central antagonist, a key supporting player, or in a brief cameo, demonstrates a unique Midas touch that resonates with massive global audiences.
From Adheera to Dhurandhar: A Showcase of Range
Dutt's journey through these cinematic juggernauts underscores his incredible range and impact. In KGF: Chapter 2, his chilling portrayal of the villain Adheera became one of the film's most iconic and discussed elements. Dhurandhar once again placed him in a crucial, gravitas-adding role central to the narrative. Conversely, his appearance in Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan was brief but powerfully impactful. This pattern proves that irrespective of screen time, his association consistently aligns with historic box office numbers.
Deepika Padukone Mirrors the Achievement
In an interesting parallel, superstar Deepika Padukone mirrors Sanjay Dutt's achievement with three Rs 1000 crore films of her own: Pathaan, Jawan, and Kalki 2898 AD. Notably, like Dutt, she also featured in Jawan in a cameo role. With high-profile upcoming projects like King and the untitled Allu Arjun–Atlee collaboration, her box office tally is poised for another significant jump, potentially setting new records.
Mapping the Elite Rs 1000 Crore Club
The Rs 1000 crore club is predominantly populated by pan-India spectacles. Prabhas leads the pack with Baahubali 2 and Kalki 2898 AD. Allu Arjun (Pushpa 2) and the duo of Jr NTR and Ram Charan (RRR) also feature prominently. From Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan and Jawan, Aamir Khan's Dangal, and now Dhurandhar have cemented their place. Dhurandhar specifically adds Ranveer Singh's name to this elite list.
A significant point to note is that Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 remains the only Sandalwood film to breach the Rs 1000 crore mark. This film, which is also one of Sanjay Dutt's landmark projects, saw his performance as Adheera play a pivotal role in elevating the film's scale and cultural impact, further reinforcing his association with large-scale cinematic universes that transcend regional boundaries.
The unprecedented success of Dhurandhar has, therefore, done more than just create a new star entrant in the billion-rupee club. It has solidified Sanjay Dutt's position as a unique and powerful box office force, whose selective choices continue to align with monumental commercial success, carving a record that stands distinct in the annals of Indian cinema.
