What does the unprecedented success of Kunal Kohli’s film Dhurandhar signify for the Bollywood industry? The film has crossed Rs 1300 crore at the worldwide box office, marking a significant achievement in Indian cinema.
Dhurandhar not only became the first Bollywood film to cross Rs 1000 crore net in India but also established itself as the first Indian franchise to earn over Rs 3000 crores globally. Kohli’s comments highlight a stark reality: “Nobody supported Dhurandhar. The biggest directors I spoke to phone, they said, ‘Monday ko baith jayegi.‘ Monday ko aur chal gayi,” he stated, reflecting on the skepticism surrounding the film.
Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar’s success comes after Kohli’s earlier work, Hum Tum, which was a commercial hit in 2004. Kohli recalled that despite the industry’s doubts, he persevered, saying, “It doesn’t matter if the industry supports you or not.” This resilience seems to have paid off.
Notably, Kohli’s film Border 2 also performed well, collecting over Rs 300 crores at the box office. The contrasting fortunes of Kohli’s films illustrate the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where past failures, such as Mujhse Dosti Karoge!, do not define future successes.
Industry veteran Rakesh Roshan congratulated Kohli, stating, “Kunal, your film is houseful in the 12:30 pm show on Monday in Indore! The biggest of big films fail to do that. Congratulations, your film is a big hit.” This acknowledgment from a respected figure adds weight to Kohli’s achievement.
Kohli’s assertion that “99% of the people in the industry don’t want you to succeed” resonates with many filmmakers who face similar challenges. The journey of Dhurandhar serves as a testament to the potential for success against the odds.
As the film continues to break records, the question remains: what will this mean for future projects in Bollywood? Will this success inspire more support for innovative filmmakers, or will skepticism persist? Details remain unconfirmed.
