Dhurandhar Breaks Records at Indian Box Office Amid Mixed Reviews

Dhurandhar, the latest release featuring actor Ranveer Singh, has made a remarkable impact at the Indian box office since its premiere on 5 December 2025. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has surpassed ₹130 crore in earnings within its opening days, solidifying its position as one of Singh's most successful films to date.

Box Office Performance

The film opened with an impressive ₹28 crore on its first day, followed by a growth of approximately 14% on Saturday, bringing in ₹32 crore. Sunday saw a significant surge, with collections jumping to around ₹43 crore, marking a 34% increase compared to Saturday's figures. On Monday, the box office receipts amounted to ₹23 crore, reflecting a natural decline typical for films after their opening weekend. By Tuesday afternoon, Dhurandhar had already earned about ₹22.66 crore, bringing its total to ₹148.91 crore.

The film's success has been attributed to its engaging narrative and strong performances from a talented cast, which includes notable actors such as Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and R Madhavan. The story is set against the backdrop of Pakistan, centring on an Indian spy's infiltration into terror networks in the Lyari region.

Support from Industry Peers

Amidst the film's success, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has publicly supported the Dhurandhar team, encouraging them to disregard negative critiques. In a post on social media platform X, Agnihotri stated, "Forget the naysayers. I know how tough it is to make films that challenge their ecosystem. Go celebrate." His comments highlight the polarized reception the film has faced, with some critics labelling it as mere propaganda.

Despite the mixed reviews, which have included critiques of the film's perceived political messaging, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. The film has sparked discussions across social media platforms, contributing to its box office momentum.

Cancellations and Controversies

Interestingly, a press screening of Dhurandhar was reportedly cancelled shortly before its release, leading to speculation about the film's reception. Critics and audiences alike have expressed varied opinions, with some suggesting that the cancellation was indicative of the film’s quality. Mukesh Chhabra, the film’s casting director, defended it against negativity, stating, "No one saw the film and yet they are ready to spread negativity. It will set the box office on fire!"

The film's portrayal of sensitive historical and political themes has led to a divide among viewers, with some praising its bold narrative choices while others have expressed concern over its implications.

Conclusion

As Dhurandhar continues to draw audiences to theatres, its success story is emblematic of the changing landscape of Indian cinema, where films are increasingly engaging with complex narratives and historical contexts. The film is expected to maintain a strong performance at the box office in the coming weeks, buoyed by positive word-of-mouth and ongoing social media engagement. As the industry watches closely, Dhurandhar serves as a case study in the evolving dynamics of film reception in India.

With its record-breaking collections and the conversation it has sparked, Dhurandhar highlights the potential for films in India to challenge perceptions and resonate with a wide audience, regardless of critical reception.