The much-anticipated spy thriller 'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar, has taken the Indian box office by storm, registering an impressive collection in its opening weekend. The film, featuring a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan, has not only won over audiences but also garnered high praise from critics and fellow filmmakers alike.
Critical Acclaim and Stellar Reviews
Renowned filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar recently took to social media platform X to share his enthusiastic review of the film. He described 'Dhurandhar' as an "explosive, thrilling ride" and a tense spy thriller that kept him on the edge of his seat. Bhandarkar commended the entire cast for their realistic portrayals, highlighting Ranveer Singh's "feral and electrifying" performance as Hamza and the brilliance of Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Madhavan.
However, he reserved his highest praise for Akshaye Khanna. Bhandarkar specifically noted that Akshaye Khanna's performance steals the show, calling his portrayal of a menacing crime lord a "pure masterclass in acting." He also applauded director Aditya Dhar for his passionate and ambitious filmmaking. This sentiment was echoed by cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, who also publicly expressed his admiration for the movie.
Box Office Numbers Show Strong Growth
The positive word-of-mouth has directly translated into robust box office figures. 'Dhurandhar' opened strongly with a collection of Rs 27 crore net in India on its first day, Friday, December 5. The film's momentum increased significantly on Saturday, with a noticeable rise in theatre occupancy.
Morning show occupancy grew from 15% to 18%, while afternoon slots saw a jump from 28% to 35%. This surge propelled the second-day earnings to an estimated Rs 31 crore net, as reported by industry tracker Sacnilk. Consequently, the total domestic net collection for the first two days stands at a formidable Rs 58 crore, signaling a hugely successful opening.
Plot, Cast, and Future Plans
The film's plot revolves around Intelligence Bureau Chief Ajay Sanyal (R. Madhavan), who launches a critical mission to dismantle a terror network based in Pakistan. Ranveer Singh plays a Punjabi man recruited from prison and trained to infiltrate criminal circles in Karachi. The ensemble cast is led by Ranveer Singh and includes Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, and R. Madhavan.
In exciting news for fans, the makers have already announced a sequel. 'Dhurandhar 2' is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026. It is set for a box office clash with superstar Yash's film 'Toxic', which is slated to release on the same day.
The combined force of positive critical reception, powerful performances—especially by Akshaye Khanna—and strong audience turnout has firmly established 'Dhurandhar' as a major commercial and critical success in the current cinematic landscape.
