Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has crossed a major commercial milestone, entering the list of the top 10 highest grossing Indian films ever with a worldwide haul reported at around Rs 925 crore. This sudden rise has not only surprised industry watchers but also reshaped year-end box office conversations, placing the film among long-standing blockbusters and fueling talk of a franchise.
From modest expectations to historic returns
When Dhurandhar opened, the film was marketed as a high-octane spy thriller anchored by Ranveer Singh’s intense performance and a cast that included several well-known veterans. Early reviews were mixed, with many critics praising the scale and ambition while noting the film’s polarising themes.
Despite the divided critical response, audience turnout grew steadily in domestic and international markets. Word of mouth, combined with aggressive marketing and viral moments on social platforms, turned Dhurandhar into a rare case where sustained footfalls translated into massive long-term returns.
The numbers that matter
Multiple trade trackers and mainstream outlets report Dhurandhar’s all-India and global earnings climbing rapidly through its theatrical run. Industry tallies place the worldwide total near Rs 925 crore, a figure that moved the film into the top 10 list of Indian blockbusters by gross.
Depending on the tracker, the split between domestic and overseas receipts varied, but overseas markets contributed a substantial chunk to the total, underlining Dhurandhar’s appeal beyond Indian theatres.
The film’s trajectory demonstrates how modern Indian tentpoles can harvest large global grosses by combining strong opening weekends with endurance. In Dhurandhar’s case, social media trends, popular songs, and key star moments generated repeat viewings and drove the film’s longevity.
Trade analyses credit both urban multiplex circuits and expanding single-screen attendance in smaller centres for keeping the box office steady long after the opening weeks.
Where Dhurandhar sits among legends
Entry into the top 10 Indian blockbusters is a notable accomplishment. This list includes films from a range of languages, industries, and eras, many of which benefited from multiple revenue streams such as strong overseas distribution, dubbed releases, and ancillary rights.
By reaching this club, Dhurandhar joins films that have shaped contemporary Indian cinema’s commercial map. Several 2025 releases have already altered the historical rankings, indicating that this year has been especially consequential for Indian films on the global stage.
A closer look at the elements of success
Several factors combined to make Dhurandhar a box office phenomenon.
- Star power and performance: Ranveer Singh’s portrayal has been widely discussed. His physical transformation and energetic screen presence gave audiences a compelling reason to watch on big screens. Supporting cast members added heft and familiarity, bringing fans of multiple actors into theatres.
- Scale and spectacle: The film’s production values, large set pieces, and action choreography allowed it to occupy multiplex screens that favour spectacle-driven content. Spectators keen on cinematic immersion often choose films that promise a large-screen payoff, and Dhurandhar delivered in that respect.
- Marketing and music: Strategic promotional moves and several viral music and dance moments helped the film stay culturally visible beyond its opening weekend. Online trends and choreography clips circulated across platforms, creating organic promotional loops that encouraged repeat viewership.
- International appeal: Distribution into multiple territories, and a narrative with universal spy-thriller elements, helped the film perform well outside India. Overseas markets have become increasingly important to Indian tentpoles, and Dhurandhar capitalised on this trend.
Controversy and conversation
Business success did not shield Dhurandhar from criticism. Some commentators accused the film of promoting a particular political or ideological viewpoint, sparking debate on social media and in long-form commentaries.
Critics and viewers split between those who saw Dhurandhar as a bold, entertaining spectacle and those who felt its messaging required closer scrutiny. These conversations, while contentious, also contributed to the film’s cultural visibility and may have indirectly sustained interest.
The emergence of such debates around mainstream films is not new, but Dhurandhar’s commercial success while being the subject of sustained criticism highlights how modern box office dynamics separate audience appetite from critical consensus. Films can generate revenue even as they become focal points for intense public discussion.
Business implications for the industry
Dhurandhar’s climb into the top 10 has multiple implications for producers, distributors, and exhibitors.
First, it reinforces the commercial viability of original, high-budget Indian action films that are not strictly franchise entries. Second, the film’s performance shows the value of overseas markets and the importance of marketing that can create sustained cultural resonance. Finally, the success may influence future greenlighting decisions, with financiers more ready to back large-scale, star-driven projects that promise both domestic and international reach. Koimoi+1
What this means for sequels and spin-offs
Reports have already suggested that the studio and makers are preparing for a follow-up. Trade updates note that Dhurandhar 2 is being considered with early plans and potential release windows being discussed. The commercial logic is straightforward. When a film earns nearly a thousand crore globally, sequels become attractive both as brand extensions and as ways to capitalise on established audience interest. If the same production values and marketing intensity accompany a second instalment, it could repeat or even exceed the original’s success.
Critical perspective
Financial success alone does not resolve questions about artistic quality or narrative responsibility. While audiences rewarded Dhurandhar with their box office choices, critics will continue to assess the film on craft, coherence, and impact. Scholars and commentators may examine how the film navigated national sentiment, the ethics of storytelling in politically charged times, and the responsibilities of popular cinema to diverse viewers. These conversations matter because they shape how future films are made, promoted, and received.
Looking ahead
Dhurandhar’s presence among India’s top 10 grossers is a snapshot of a particular moment when star power, spectacle, and cultural conversation converged to produce major commercial returns. For the film industry, the title is a reminder that box office success often hinges on more than just an opening weekend. Endurance, sustained visibility, and the ability to generate social moments all contribute to turning a film into a blockbuster.
As the market moves into the next year, filmmakers, distributors, and observers will watch closely to see whether Dhurandhar’s success represents a new template or a distinctive case shaped by unique factors. Either way, the film’s journey from release to the top 10 list marks a significant achievement in 2025’s cinematic landscape.
