The box office has finally found its champion for the year-end season. After a period of uncertainty, Ranveer Singh has silenced his critics with a thunderous return to the silver screen. His latest spy thriller, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has shattered early trade estimates to register a massive opening day collection.
Released on Friday, December 5, 2025, the film has taken a flying start across the country. According to early estimates, Dhurandhar has collected approximately ₹27 Crore (Net) on its first day in India. This figure is significantly higher than the predicted ₹15-18 crore, proving that the audience’s appetite for high-quality action dramas remains unsatiated.
This opening is a major statement of intent from the makers, Jio Studios and B62 Productions. Despite carrying an ‘A’ certificate and a daunting runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes, the film has managed to pull crowds in large numbers. The “Adults Only” rating, which typically restricts family audiences, seems to have had little impact on the film’s initial momentum.
A Slow Morning Turning into a Housefull Night
The day began on a cautious note for the film. Morning shows across major metros opened to an occupancy of around 15-16%, leading to some anxiety within the trade circles. Given the massive budget of ₹280 crore, a slow start could have been disastrous.
However, the trajectory changed dramatically as the day progressed. Positive word-of-mouth spread rapidly on social media, with viewers calling the film a “masterclass” and a “gripping experience”. By the afternoon, occupancy jumped to over 28%, and evening shows saw a further spike to 35-40%.
In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, night shows were reported to be running at near-full capacity. This trend indicates that the film is not just relying on star power but is being driven by genuine audience appreciation for the content. The “A” rating might have actually worked in its favor, attracting a youth demographic looking for gritty, uncompromised action.
Second Biggest Opener of 2025
With a ₹27 crore start, Dhurandhar has firmly established itself as the second-highest opener of 2025. It has comfortably surpassed the opening day figures of Saiyaara, which had collected ₹21.50 crore earlier this year.
While it fell slightly short of Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava, which opened at ₹31 crore, the gap is understandable given Dhurandhar‘s restrictive certification. For Ranveer Singh, this is a personal victory. The film marks his biggest opening in the post-pandemic era, beating his previous bests like 83 and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
This performance is particularly impressive because the film had to battle negative pre-release buzz regarding its advance bookings, which were reported to be soft. The turnaround on release day is a testament to the fact that content ultimately speaks louder than marketing statistics.
Ranveer Singh Reinvents Himself as Hamza
The biggest talking point of the film is undoubtedly Ranveer Singh’s performance. Playing the role of Hamza, an undercover intelligence officer, Ranveer has shed his flamboyant public persona. Critics and fans are hailing this as one of his most mature and intense performances to date.
Unlike the loud, high-energy characters he is known for, Hamza is a brooding, silent operator. The film requires him to internalize the trauma of espionage, and reviews suggest he has delivered with aplomb. His portrayal of a spy deep behind enemy lines in Pakistan feels authentic and grounded.
Social media is abuzz with praise for his physical transformation and emotional depth. Users on X (formerly Twitter) have described his performance as “magnetic” and “explosive,” stating that he commands the screen in every frame. This role seems to have successfully reintroduced him as a serious actor capable of carrying a heavy narrative.
Akshaye Khanna: The Scene Stealer
While Ranveer leads the pack, the surprise package of Dhurandhar is Akshaye Khanna. Playing the antagonist Rehman Baloch, a sophisticated gangster with a “Michael Corleone-style” arc, Akshaye has left a lasting impact.
Reviews indicate that Akshaye is the perfect foil to Ranveer’s intensity. His calm, menacing presence adds a layer of dread to the proceedings. Audiences are calling his performance “genius” and demanding awards for his portrayal of a villain who is both terrifying and oddly charismatic.
The chemistry between the two leads is being cited as the film’s strongest asset. Their confrontations are not just physical but psychological, driving the tension throughout the massive runtime. Akshaye’s return to a major negative role has been welcomed with open arms by the public.
Aditya Dhar’s Vision and World Building
Director Aditya Dhar, returning after the massive success of Uri: The Surgical Strike, has once again proved his mettle. Dhurandhar is not a standard Bollywood actioner; it is a dense, layered spy drama. Set against the backdrop of real events like the IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attack, the film blends fact and fiction seamlessly.
The production design, particularly the recreation of Lyari in Karachi, is receiving widespread acclaim for its detail and grit. The film’s structure, divided into chapters, adds a literary quality that sets it apart from other films in the genre.
Despite the 3-hour 34-minute runtime—the longest for a Hindi film in 17 years—viewers are finding the screenplay gripping. The editing and pacing ensure that the audience remains invested in the complex web of characters and political maneuvers.
A Franchise is Born: Part 2 Confirmed
The excitement around the film has been further amplified by the official confirmation of a sequel. The makers have announced that Dhurandhar is just the beginning, with Part 2 scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.
This strategic announcement has created a sense of continuity and investment for the audience. The film ends on a cliffhanger that sets up the next chapter, leaving viewers eager for more. This “cinematic universe” approach is expected to drive repeat viewings over the weekend as fans try to decode the clues left in the first part.
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Weekend Outlook and Box Office Trajectory
Looking ahead, Dhurandhar is poised for a massive weekend. Trade analysts predict a significant jump in collections on Saturday and Sunday. With positive word-of-mouth now firmly established, the film is expected to cross the ₹100 crore mark within its first four days.
The film needs to maintain this momentum to recover its substantial budget of ₹280 crore. However, if the current trend of “housefull” boards continues, it is well on its way to becoming a commercial blockbuster.
For Bollywood, Dhurandhar provides a much-needed boost to end the year. It proves that there is still a massive audience for well-made, large-scale cinema that refuses to compromise on storytelling. Ranveer Singh is back, and he has brought the box office back to life with him.
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Disclaimer: The box office figures mentioned in this article are based on early estimates from trade sources and may vary slightly from the final producer figures. Readers are advised to verify with official sources.
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