New Delhi: As Dhurandhar continues its record-shattering run at the box office, praise for Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller keeps pouring in from across the film industry. The latest to join the chorus is actor Alia Bhatt, whose reaction to the film has further fuelled the buzz around what is now being hailed as a landmark moment in Indian cinema.
Alia Bhatt calls it ‘movie magic’
On Wednesday, Alia Bhatt’s production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions, shared a powerful note on social media celebrating Dhurandhar’s impact and success. The post described the film as more than just a commercial blockbuster, positioning it as a reflection of contemporary India.
The note read: “It’s the voice of today’s India. It’s the choice of today’s India. It’s based on a chapter in history. And now it’s the number one chapter in India’s cinema history.”
Alia Bhatt re-shared the post on her Instagram Stories, adding a succinct but telling reaction: “Movie magic.” While brief, the endorsement carried weight, given Bhatt’s stature as one of Hindi cinema’s most influential actors and producers.
Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, who headlines Dhurandhar, have previously shared screen space in critically and commercially successful films such as Gully Boy and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Her public praise was seen by many fans as a gesture of professional admiration and industry solidarity.
Industry-wide acclaim for Aditya Dhar’s film
Since its release on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar has been widely discussed not just for its box office dominance, but also for its scale, narrative ambition and performances. Directed by Aditya Dhar, best known for Uri: The Surgical Strike, the film delves into a fictionalised chapter of espionage rooted in historical and geopolitical themes.
Several filmmakers, actors and trade analysts have credited the film’s success to its blend of high-octane action, emotional depth and nationalistic undertones that resonate with audiences across demographics. Social media has been flooded with reactions calling it a “once-in-a-generation blockbuster”.
Record-breaking box office numbers
The numbers tell a staggering story. Dhurandhar has amassed ₹835.15 crore at the domestic box office, officially becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. On its 34th day in theatres, the film added another ₹4.75 crore to its tally, demonstrating remarkable staying power weeks after release.
In the process, Dhurandhar has overtaken SS Rajamouli’s RRR, which had collected ₹782.2 crore domestically, a figure once considered nearly insurmountable. Trade experts point out that sustaining such collections beyond the first month is a rare feat, even for tentpole releases.
The film has also outperformed other recent blockbusters such as Pushpa 2: The Rule, Jawan and Dangal in the domestic market, firmly cementing its place at the top of the Hindi cinema charts.
How it compares to all-time Indian blockbusters
While Dhurandhar reigns supreme in the Hindi film space domestically, it still faces stiff competition in the broader Indian cinema landscape. Sukumar’s Pushpa 2: The Rule has reportedly collected ₹1,234.1 crore, while SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion stands at ₹1,030.42 crore in overall collections.
These figures set an ambitious benchmark for Dhurandhar as it continues its theatrical run and prepares for international and ancillary revenue streams. Trade analysts believe that strong overseas performance and satellite and digital rights could further bolster its overall earnings.
Ensemble cast adds to the film’s strength
Apart from Ranveer Singh in the lead role, Dhurandhar boasts a formidable ensemble cast. Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal play pivotal characters, each contributing to the film’s layered narrative. Critics have particularly praised the casting choices, noting that the performances elevate the tension and emotional stakes of the story.
Aditya Dhar’s direction has also been singled out for balancing scale with storytelling, ensuring that the film remains character-driven despite its blockbuster trappings.
Sequel already on the horizon
Riding high on its unprecedented success, the makers have already announced Dhurandhar’s sequel. The next instalment is slated for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026, and will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, underscoring the franchise’s pan-India ambitions.
Given the current film’s performance, expectations from the sequel are sky-high, with trade watchers predicting another massive opening if the momentum continues.
Conclusion
Alia Bhatt’s endorsement of Dhurandhar is the latest marker of the film’s cultural and commercial impact. With historic box office numbers, strong industry backing and a sequel already in place, Dhurandhar has not only rewritten records but also redefined what is possible for Hindi cinema in the current era.