Dhurandhar

Friends, we have reached the last weekend of 2025.

Today, I am writing about a Bollywood movie, released in the first week of December 2025, and what mania it has created among the movie-going public of the nation. Yes, I am talking about director Aditya Dhar’s movie DHURANDHAR. I think after Sholay, this is the only movie which has taken over the nation by storm. It has just completed its week run yesterday, and has become the highest-grossing Indian movie of 2025, if you see its worldwide collection. As of yesterday, the movie has collected Rs 931 Cr worldwide. It is still going strong, and soon it will cross Rs 1000 Cr mark, and no idea where it will end during its first run. It has been reported that Netflix has bought this movie for Rs 285 Cr for releasing on their OTT platform sometime during February 2026

Friends, I had not been to the theatre to watch any movie since late 2019, and then Covid took over and movie seeing pattern changed completely. But the reviews and comments on social media forced me to go to theatre, and I enjoyed the movie thoroughly.

Why Dhurandhar is Creating Massive Mania

In an era crowded with big-budget spectacles and formula-driven cinema, it has emerged as a rare cultural movement. The release of the movie quickly turned into a full-blown global obsession, cutting across languages, regions and even national boundaries. Packed theatres , viral dialogues, and intense social media chatter all point to one fact: Dhurandhar is not just a movie-it’s a movement.

The word Dhurandhar itself carries immense cultural weight. In Indian languages, it signifies someone who is relentless, unyielding, and fearlessly driven-often warrior or rebel figure who refuses to bow down. The title of the movie instantly connects with:

• India’s long tradition of heroic folkfare.
• A modern audience craving strong, unapologetic protagonist.
• A collective desire to see defiance against injustice.

Staying away from earlier formula of Bollywood spy movies, where RAW and ISI collaborate with each other, and one franchise of spy movies even showed that a Indian Raw agent falling in low with ISI agent and marrying her.

Powerful Central Character That Redefines Hero

At the heart of Dhurandhar lies a protagonist unlike the polished, invincible heroes of mainstream cinema. What makes this character iconic:

• Morally complex- not black and white.
• Emotionally scarred, yet fiercely determined.
• Rooted in realism, reflecting everyday anger and frustration.
• Driven by purpose, not glamour or validation.

Key Strength of the Story

• A tight screenplay with no unnecessary distractions.
• High emotional stakes grounded in social reality
• Action sequences that feel earned, not ornamental.
• Dialogues that are sharp, impactful, and instantly quotable.

The film manages to satisfy: Mass audience craving intensity; Urban viewers seeking layered story telling; and critics looking for substance.

Social and Political Undercurrents that Strike a Chord

The movie subtly taps into contemporary issues without becoming preachy. Themes explored include:

• Abuse of power and systemic oppression.
• The silence of institutions versus the rage of the individual.
• Moral dilemmas in times of social decay.
• The cost of resistance in a controlled society.

A Career-defining Performances by All the Lead actors

• One actor who has walked away with all the praise for his performance is Akshaye Khanna in the role of Rehmat Khan, the main villain. He gave the biggest surprise to the viewers, everyone knows he is good actor but what a mind blowing performance.
• Next comes Ranveer Singh, the hero of the film, who is playing the role of Indian spy. He performed his role with subdued constrain. In half of the film he is standing behind Akshaye Khanna, and is speaking through his body movements and eyes.
• Next comes Sanjay Dutt playing a role of disgraced police officer, Rakesh Bedi as politician, and Arjun Rampal as ISI operative. All of them acted brilliantly.

Music and Background Score

Unlike films that rely on chartbusters alone, Dhurandhar uses music as narrative weapon

• The background score heightens tension, often becoming character itself.
• Songs are situational, emotionally grounded, and thematically suiting.

Word-of-Mouth that refused to Die Down

Unlike many films that peak on opening weekend, Dhurandhar grew stronger with time.

• Packed shows even weeks after release. In some cities even mid night and early morning shows were running with special administrative permissions.
• Multiple repeat viewings.
• Audience applause, hooting, and emotional reactions in theatres.

In the end Dhurandhar has succeeded because it dares to combine courage with craft. It respects the intelligence of the audience while delivering the meaningful entertainment. The mania surrounding the film is not accidental-it is the result of authenticity, relevance, and emotional truth.

The fact is that no other movie has survived in the presence of Dhurandhar, including latest sequel of Hollywood movie Avatar. Even last movie of Dharmendra which was to be released this week has been pushed back to January 2026. Salman Khan, whose movies are generally released during Ramzan Eid, it has been learn that he is also pushing back his movie ‘The War of Gallwaan’ , because in March 2026 ( at the time of Ramzan Eid) Dhurandhar film’s second part is being released, because the story is not ended in this part.

Long after box-office numbers fade, Dhurandhar is likely to be remembered as a defining cinematic moment-one that captured the mood of a generation and turned collective anger into art. In my opinion in 21^st century Indian movies will be categorized as Pre Dhurandhar and Post Dhurandhar movies.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

26^th December 2026