Dhurandhar, released amid uncertainty about its box office performance, has emerged as a massive hit, drawing attention both in India and across the border in Pakistan. Trade experts reveal that its Indo-Pak storyline, powerful performances, and word-of-mouth have propelled it into a box-office juggernaut.
Strong Performances and Star Cast
Industry veteran Taran Adarsh praised the film, calling it one of 2025’s best films. He highlighted the ensemble cast, which includes Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, stating:
“Every actor has delivered explosive performances. This is a film that I would watch again in theatres.”
The cast’s ability to balance realistic portrayals with commercial appeal has been a key factor in the film’s success.
Director Aditya Dhar’s Mastery
Director Aditya Dhar, known for Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), transformed espionage thriller elements into a commercial, gangster-style narrative. Experts note:
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Dhar’s in-depth research and careful execution helped maintain authenticity.
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The film navigates real-life characters, including Ajit Doval, without losing dramatic impact.
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Social media buzz and nationalism themes amplified audience engagement.
Trade analyst Atul Mohan added:
“The unique storytelling and intense action sequences have resonated with viewers. We have never seen a film on gang wars in Pakistan tied so closely to India before.”
Indo-Pak Angle Drives Buzz
Distributors observed that the Indo-Pakistan storyline created heightened curiosity:
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Pakistani viewers sought the film through illegal channels due to restrictions.
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This stirred discussion and excitement among Indian audiences.
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The film’s social media presence and nationalist angle further boosted visibility.
Raj Bansal, exhibitor and distributor, said:
“The film gave Pakistanis heartburn and made Indian viewers curious. Word-of-mouth then took over, ensuring consistent box office growth.”
Critical and Commercial Success
Experts agree that Dhurandhar succeeds both critically and commercially:
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Vishek Chauhan, cinema owner in Bihar, noted Dhar’s skill in commercializing espionage-thriller elements without losing realism.
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Girish Johar, producer and film analyst, praised the film’s unique Pakistan setting and engaging storytelling.
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Taran Adarsh concluded:
“In this film, everyone is a Dhurandhar — the actors, the director, and the production team. They showed courage to back such a high-budget, high-risk project.”
Why Dhurandhar Works
Trade pundits attribute the success to three major factors:
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Powerful Performances – Ensemble cast delivering memorable and explosive portrayals.
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Indo-Pak Cultural Angle – Storyline generating curiosity, debate, and social media buzz.
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Word-of-Mouth Impact – Audiences recommend the film, creating sustained box office momentum.
