The Indian film industry has reached a historic turning point this Christmas as the box office rankings undergo a massive reshuffle. Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller Dhurandhar has officially surpassed the lifetime domestic collections of the 2024 blockbuster Stree 2. According to reports tracked by News Aangan, this milestone marks a new era for action cinema in India.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has maintained an extraordinary grip on the box office since its release on December 5, 2025. By its 20th day, the film netted an estimated ₹640.20 crore in India, effectively dethroning Stree 2 and Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava. The surge in holiday footfalls has propelled the film into the top three highest-grossing Hindi films of all time.
While Stree 2 remains a cultural phenomenon for the horror-comedy genre, the sheer scale and patriotic undertones of Dhurandhar have resonated deeply with the mass audience. Trade analysts suggest that the “Ranveer-Aditya” combination has delivered the most significant comeback for a male superstar in recent years. The film is now eyeing the elite ₹1000-crore global club.
Box Office Breakdown: The New Order of 2025
The battle for the top spot has been intense throughout the month of December. Dhurandhar began its journey with a strong opening weekend of ₹106.50 crore and never looked back. It consistently outperformed its competitors, including international biggies like Avatar: Fire and Ash.
The following table illustrates the current standing of the top Indian films by domestic net earnings as of December 26, 2025:
| Rank | Movie Name | Domestic Net (INR Cr) | Year |
| 1 | Pushpa 2: The Rule (Hindi) | ₹836.09 | 2024 |
| 2 | Jawan | ₹640.42 | 2023 |
| 3 | Dhurandhar | ₹640.20 | 2025 |
| 4 | Stree 2 | ₹627.50 | 2024 |
| 5 | Chhaava | ₹615.39 | 2025 |
As shown, Dhurandhar is now just a few lakhs away from overtaking Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan to become the second-highest-grossing Hindi film in history. The film’s global gross currently stands at a staggering ₹960.05 crore. It is expected to cross the ₹1000-crore mark by the end of the upcoming New Year weekend.
Ranveer Singh’s “Hamza” and the Aditya Dhar Factor
The success of the film is largely attributed to the gritty and realistic portrayal of an Indian operative named Hamza. Ranveer Singh underwent a rigorous physical transformation to suit the role of a spy infiltrating terror networks. Critics have praised his “Aura” and his ability to carry the heavy emotional weight of the narrative.
Aditya Dhar, who previously directed the national-award-winning Uri: The Surgical Strike, has once again proved his expertise in the patriotic thriller genre. His focus on high-quality VFX and authentic tactical maneuvers set the film apart from typical “masala” action movies. The collaboration has revived the audience’s faith in large-scale theatrical experiences.
Industry insiders at News Aangan suggest that the “Dhar-Singh” duo is already planning their next venture. Given the massive ROI of ₹225 crore on a production budget, the producers have already greenlit a sequel. Dhurandhar 2 is tentatively scheduled for a multi-language release in March 2026.
Why Stree 2 is Trending Despite the Record Break
Even though its record was surpassed today, Stree 2 remains at the center of social media discussions. Fans of the Maddock Supernatural Universe are revisiting the film on OTT platforms to celebrate its legacy. The movie’s “return on investment” remains one of the highest in the history of Indian cinema.
The trending status is also fueled by the constant comparisons between Shraddha Kapoor’s “Stree” and Ranveer Singh’s “Hamza.” While one represents the supernatural mystery of Chanderi, the other represents the raw power of national security. This digital rivalry has kept both films in the search trends for the last 48 hours.
Moreover, the announcement of Chhoti Stree, an animated prequel, has reignited interest in the franchise’s lore. Fans are searching for clues in Stree 2 that might link to the upcoming animated feature. The “Stree” brand continues to be a massive draw for families and younger audiences alike.
Shakti Kapoor on Shraddha’s Limited Screen Presence
A significant reason for the trending news is a viral interview with veteran actor Shakti Kapoor. He recently broke his silence on why his daughter, Shraddha Kapoor, appears in very few films compared to her peers. He clarified that her absence is a conscious choice driven by her “selective and stubborn” nature regarding scripts.
Shakti Kapoor dismissed rumors that Shraddha was struggling to find work after the success of Stree 2. He jokingly remarked that she is “too busy planning holidays and rejecting average scripts.” He emphasized that she prioritizes a work-life balance and only signs projects that she truly believes in.
“She picks only the best films and charges more than most of her contemporaries,” Shakti Kapoor stated in the interview. This revelation about her high remuneration and selective approach has sparked a debate on the pay scale of Bollywood actresses. Fans have lauded her for maintaining her dignity and brand value despite the pressure to be constantly visible.
Maddock Supernatural Universe: What Lies Ahead?
The future of the horror-comedy genre looks incredibly bright with several interconnected projects in development. Dinesh Vijan has confirmed that the universe is expanding beyond Chanderi. The next major entry is Thama, which is expected to introduce a vampire-based storyline starring Ayushmann Khurrana.
- Chhoti Stree: An animated theatrical feature aimed at families, set to release in mid-2026.
- Stree 3: The script is reportedly finalized, with a tentative release date of August 13, 2027.
- Bhediya 2: Varun Dhawan has already begun filming for the sequel, which will feature a crossover with the Stree characters.
- Naagin: A supernatural drama starring Shraddha Kapoor is also rumored to be in the works for a 2027 release.
The most exciting update for fans is the “Bridge” between animation and live-action. It has been confirmed that Chhoti Stree will end with a scene that directly leads into the opening of Stree 3. This ambitious storytelling experiment is the first of its kind in Indian cinema.
The Competitive Landscape: Dhurandhar vs Kantara
While Dhurandhar has conquered the Hindi market, it is facing stiff competition from the Kannada blockbuster Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. Rishab Shetty’s prequel has also crossed the ₹850-crore mark globally. The two films are currently neck-and-neck in the race to become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
Unlike Dhurandhar, which was released primarily in Hindi, Kantara has seen a massive response in South Indian languages. This has prompted the makers of Dhurandhar to plan a wider pan-India release for the sequel. The success of both films indicates that the Indian audience is hungry for rooted, original stories.
The box office battle is expected to continue through the New Year festivities. Trade experts believe that Dhurandhar has enough steam to reach the ₹1100-crore mark if it maintains its current momentum. The lack of major competition in early January will further aid its historic run.
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Final Thoughts on the 2025 Cinematic Shift
The year 2025 has been a rollercoaster for the Indian film industry, marked by both experimental failures and monumental successes. The rise of Dhurandhar and the sustained popularity of Stree 2 show that the audience values “experience” over everything else. Whether it is the chills of a ghost story or the thrills of a spy mission, the big screen remains supreme.
Shraddha Kapoor’s career strategy and Ranveer Singh’s box office redemption are two sides of the same coin. Both actors have proved that patience and the right project can lead to unprecedented success. As we move into 2026, the industry is poised for even larger collaborations and bigger records.
News Aangan will continue to provide live updates on the box office figures and exclusive insights into the Maddock universe. The legacy of Stree 2 is now part of the history books, while the story of Dhurandhar is still being written. The real winners are the Indian moviegoers who are witnessing a golden era of storytelling.
Related Disclaimer: This analysis of the box office performance of Dhurandhar and Stree 2 is based on verified trade data and current industry reports as of December 26, 2025. Final audited figures are subject to confirmation by the respective production houses. News Aangan remains your authoritative source for all verified cinema and trade news.
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