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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD JANUARY 16, 2026 | The Indian Eye 32

‘Dhurandhar’ Rewrites Bollywood

History, Storms Past `800 Crore and

Redefines the Hindi Box Office

Aditya Dhar’s spy-action epic starring Ranveer Singh has become the highest-grossing Hindi film ever,

even as it sparks global acclaim and geopolitical controversy

OUR BUREAU

Mumbai
n a year that began with cautious optimism for
Bollywood, Dhurandhar has delivered an end-
Iing no one could have scripted better. Direct-
ed by Aditya Dhar and led by Ranveer Singh, the
spy-action thriller has not only shattered box office
records but also reset the ceiling for what a Hindi
film can achieve in India. Crossing the `800-crore
mark in net domestic collections within a month
of its release, Dhurandhar has emerged as the
highest-grossing Hindi film of all time, overtaking
Pushpa 2: The Rule in its fifth week with collections
touching `831.40 crore—and still counting.
Trade analysts describe the achievement as
historic. Veteran box office tracker Taran Adarsh
called it “the biggest moment in the history of the
Hindi film business,” noting that surpassing Push-
pa 2’s lifetime numbers once seemed unthinkable.
Yet Dhurandhar did exactly that, propelled by ex-
traordinary word-of-mouth, sustained footfalls, and
a rare blend of scale, storytelling, and star power.
Released as a high-octane spy thriller, Dhu-
randhar arrived with expectations riding high on Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh who has played the lead role in the film ‘Dhurandhar’, with his fans in Mumbai (ANI)
Aditya Dhar’s reputation following Uri: The Surgical
Strike. But few anticipated the ferocity with which
the film would dominate the box office week after encouragement. Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, The association urged the Indian government
week. Unlike many big-ticket releases that peak who mentored Dhar early in his career, also joined to raise the matter diplomatically, noting India’s
early and taper off, Dhurandhar displayed remark- the chorus, calling Dhar’s success one of his greatest strong economic and cultural ties with the Gulf
able staying power, recording robust collections well joys and extending heartfelt wishes for Dhurandhar 2. region. While the controversy has not affected the
into its fourth and fifth weeks. It even became the The film’s producers, Jio Studios and Yash Raj film’s domestic run, it has added a geopolitical lay-
first Hindi film to cross `100 crore in its fourth week, Films, marked the milestone with a statement that er to Dhurandhar’s story—turning it into not just a
underscoring the depth of audience engagement. framed Dhurandhar as more than just a blockbust- commercial phenomenon, but a talking point in in-
Much of the film’s success has been attributed er. “It’s a milestone moment in Indian cinema that ternational cultural discourse.
to its ensemble cast and commanding performanc- will be remembered forever,” YRF said, praising From an industry perspective, Dhurandhar’s
es. Ranveer Singh anchors the film with what many Dhar’s clarity of vision and fearless storytelling. success offers a powerful signal for Bollywood. It
critics have described as one of the most intense Ranveer Singh responded with a simple yet emo- demonstrates that audiences are willing to em-
roles of his career. Supporting him is a formida- tional note to YRF, calling it his “beloved alma ma- brace big-scale, original Hindi films when backed by
ble lineup—Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun ter” and expressing pride in making the studio proud. strong storytelling and technical finesse. At a time
Rampal, and R Madhavan—each bringing weight Yet even as Dhurandhar has united audiences at when the industry has often been accused of play-
and gravitas to the narrative. Madhavan’s portrayal home, it has triggered controversy abroad. The In- ing safe, Dhurandhar’s audacity—and its rewards—
of Indian spymaster Sanyal, in particular, has drawn dian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMP- stand out sharply.
widespread acclaim for its layered intensity. PA) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi With the film conceived as a two-part fran-
Praise for Dhurandhar has poured in from seeking government intervention after the film chise, anticipation for Dhurandhar 2, slated for an
across the Indian film industry and beyond. Actor was reportedly banned in several Middle Eastern Eid 2026 release, is already sky-high. Expectations
couple Suriya and Jyotika publicly hailed the film countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, will be immense, but if the first instalment is any
as a “masterpiece,” with Suriya praising Dhar’s Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Describing the ban as indication, Aditya Dhar and his team have laid the
craft and singling out the performances of Ranveer “unilateral and uncalled for,” IMPPA argued that it foundation for a franchise that could define Hindi
Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Madhavan. Their en- suppresses freedom of expression, particularly for cinema for years to come.
dorsement triggered a gracious exchange on social a film that has received certification from India’s For now, Dhurandhar stands as a landmark—a
media, with Madhavan responding emotionally and Central Board of Film Certification and emerged film that didn’t just break records, but redrew the
director Dhar expressing deep gratitude for the as one of the country’s biggest cinematic successes. map of Bollywood’s box office ambitions.

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