The Bollywood espionage thriller “Dhurandhar” has emerged as a major box office success, surpassing initial expectations. Released amid uncertainty, the film’s strong weekday holds and growing word-of-mouth have made it a commercial and critical hit across India. Trade experts have revealed the key factors behind its impressive performance.
Explosive Performances and Strong Direction
Trade veteran Taran Adarsh praised the film, calling it “one of the best films of 2025.” He noted:
“The story, characters, and direction all come together perfectly. I plan to watch this film again in theatres — a rare experience for me.”
Director Aditya Dhar, known for Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), has successfully blended espionage-thriller elements with commercial cinematic appeal. Experts note that Dhar’s ability to maintain realistic portrayals while making it larger-than-life has been a key factor in the film’s success.
Star-Studded Cast Delivers
Vishek Chauhan, cinema owner from Bihar, highlighted the performances:
“Every actor in Dhurandhar has delivered explosive performances — from Akshaye Khanna, Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, to Arjun Rampal. The film balances realism with commercial entertainment masterfully.”
Adarsh added that even supporting actors like Rakesh Bedi shone in their roles. The music, including vintage tracks, complements the narrative effectively, enhancing the audience experience.
Indo-Pakistan Angle Drives Curiosity
Distributor Raj Bansal explained that the Indo-Pakistan context played a significant role:
“The film sparked curiosity and pride among Indian audiences. Despite the ban on Indian films in Pakistan, viewers are watching it illegally, creating a buzz. This dynamic added to the excitement and word-of-mouth growth.”
Chauhan noted that social media and nationalism themes amplified the film’s reach, making it a topic of discussion across platforms.
Unique Storytelling and Setting
Producer Girish Johar emphasized the uniqueness of the film:
“The story set in Pakistan is fresh for audiences. The storytelling, action sequences, and character depth have truly connected with viewers.”
Trade analyst Atul Mohan added:
“It’s rare to see a gang war story set in Pakistan tied to India. The presentation, action, and drama have all resonated strongly with audiences.”
Industry Celebrates the Success
Taran Adarsh summed up the sentiment:
“Every contributor to Dhurandhar is a Dhurandhar! From Aditya Dhar to Jyoti Deshpande and Jio Studios, the courage to back a high-budget, innovative project has paid off.”
The film’s commercial success, combined with critical acclaim and social media buzz, cements Dhurandhar as one of the biggest Bollywood hits of 2025.
