Today, we dive deep into the numbers, the drama, and the casualties of Bollywood’s biggest Christmas storm.
The ₹1,000 Crore Club Has a New Member
Let’s talk numbers, because they are staggering. As of this Monday morning, Dhurandhar has officially stormed past the ₹1,050 Crore mark globally, cementing its spot as the 7th highest-grossing Indian film of all time.
In India alone, the film has crossed ₹633 Crores, overtaking the lifetime collections of heavyweights like Gadar 2 and inching dangerously close to Jawan’s Hindi record. For Ranveer Singh, who faced a rocky 2024, this isn't just a comeback; it’s a resurrection. His portrayal of the spy 'Hamza' has silenced every critic, but interestingly, he isn't the only one taking credit for this mania.
The Rise of 'Rehman Dakait' (and the Price of Stardom)
If Ranveer is the heart of Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna is undoubtedly its wicked soul. Playing the menacing villain Rehman Dakait, Akshaye has delivered a performance so chilling that it has birthed a cult following. His "FA9LA" entry scene is the most shared reel of the month, and the "Dhurandhar Walk" is the new trend on every college campus.
But this newfound superstardom has come with its own off-screen drama. In a twist fit for a movie script, reports confirmed yesterday that Akshaye has walked out of Drishyam 3. Riding the Dhurandhar high, the actor reportedly demanded a whopping ₹21 Crore fee to return as IG Tarun Ahlawat—a 10x hike from his previous paycheck. When the makers hesitated, Akshaye walked. It’s a bold move that screams, "I know my worth," and honestly? We love the confidence.
The Casualties: Kartik Aaryan & Hollywood
While Team Dhurandhar pops the champagne, there is gloom elsewhere.
Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s rom-com Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (TMMTMTTM) has become the biggest casualty of this box office war. Released on Christmas Day, the film has struggled to breathe, managing a meager ₹23.75 Crore in its opening weekend—Kartik’s lowest in eight years. Audiences have clearly chosen high-octane action over "remix-laden romance," leaving the film facing a potential washout.
Even James Cameron wasn't spared. While Avatar: Fire and Ash is performing decently in multiplexes, Dhurandhar has completely eaten into its mass market share in India, proving once again that when Bollywood gets it right, even the Na'vi have to step aside.
The Verdict?
As we head into the New Year, the industry message is clear: The audience is hungry for spectacle, and they have found their feast. With a sequel, Dhurandhar: Part 2, already announced for March 2026, this franchise is just getting started.
2025 belongs to Ranveer and Akshaye. The rest are just living in their world.
