Aditya Dhar’s latest spy thriller Dhurandhar has stormed the box office, crossing the ₹200 crore mark within just six days of its release on December 5, 2025. Starring Ranveer Singh as intelligence officer Hamza Ali and Akshaye Khanna as Karachi-based antagonist Rehman Dakait, the film has swiftly positioned itself among the year’s biggest commercial successes.
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The rapid pace of its earnings places Dhurandhar in direct competition with major blockbusters such as Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, Bajirao Mastani, and Simmba. Industry analysts also predict that the film is on track to surpass the worldwide collection of Ranveer Singh’s Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela, which grossed approximately ₹218 crore.
Structured in multiple chapters, Dhurandhar blends espionage and revenge with themes of patriotism, moral conflict, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. A second installment, Dhurandhar Part 2, is slated for release on March 19, 2026. Following its theatrical run, the first film is expected to begin streaming on Netflix.
Despite its financial success, the film has generated significant controversy. Pakistani critics have dismissed it as exaggerated political propaganda, while Indian journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani condemned it as promoting majoritarianism, anti-Muslim sentiment, and misogyny. She also questioned the approval of its graphic violence by the censor board.
The portrayal of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has sparked particular outrage. PPP spokesperson Sumeta Afzal Syed accused the filmmakers of “unlawfully using images of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto” and attempting to depict the party as sympathetic to terrorist elements.
However, not all reactions have been negative. Some viewers have praised the film for showcasing cultural elements rarely seen in mainstream Indian cinema — particularly its depiction of Balochi dance, music, and traditions, which many say enrich the film’s intense political storyline.
