Films that develop a political and diplomatic understanding are rare, and when they do arrive, people shower them with immense praise.
As 2025 draws to a close today, December 28, the Aditya Dhar-directed spy thriller Dhurandhar (starring Ranveer Singh) stands as one of the year’s defining cinematic events. Crossing Rs. 1,000 crore worldwide—with a domestic net around Rs. 668–706 crore and overseas pushing Rs. 215+ crore—it has not only shattered box office records but also revealed a profound shift in Indian audience preferences.
Audience reactions, ranging from ecstatic praise to heated debates, repeat viewings, and polarized social media battles, paint a clear picture: Bollywood’s new taste favors bold, unapologetic, and realism-rooted narratives over safe, formulaic entertainers.
Dhurandhar: From Escapism to Raw Conviction
For years, mainstream Bollywood films have heavily relied on stylish action, rom-coms, or over-the-top spectacles. But the success of Dhurandhar signals a deep hunger among audiences for grounded, intense, and realistic stories inspired by real events—like the 26/11 attacks, the Parliament attack, and covert anti-terror operations- without diluting the brutality or moral complexities.
Viewers celebrate the film’s tight pacing despite its 3.5+ hour runtime, praising the world-building (recreated Lyari streets), sound design, and character introductions as “top-notch.” Many describe it as a “must-watch theatrical experience” that “redefines the Indian spy thriller genre,” emphasizing emotional depth alongside high-voltage action.
No matter what accusations are leveled against the film, whether it involves horrifying, terrifying scenes of extreme violence (our magazine does not support violent content on ethical grounds), or whether it is viewed as political propaganda, one thing is clear: the Indian audience wants to know how the country defends itself, how the government operates. Films that develop a political and diplomatic understanding are rare, and when they do arrive, people shower them with complete love.
Also read “Virtual Violence as a Contributing Factor to the Mental Health of Young People” at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08445621251364528
Polarization as Proof of Impact
The reception of the film Dhurandhar has shown a deep divide, reflecting the broader cultural and ideological differences present in society. Ironically, this very polarization has further boosted the film’s success.
- Supporters’ Response
Many viewers of the film, especially those with patriotic and nationalist sentiments, regard it as an outstanding work and a cult classic. They see it as a major victory against boycott campaigns. On social media, it is being compared to 3 Idiots, Uri, and Baahubali because it has created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and discussion across the entire country- from offices, colleges, to tea stalls, people are talking about it.
Overseas, particularly in North America (where it ranks fourth among Indian films with earnings exceeding $16.25 million), diaspora audiences appreciate its universal spy-thriller appeal and the image of a ‘New India’.
Also read “Many people can relate to the story of 12th Fail Movie, particularly those who come from the middle or lower classes and have faced similar struggles in their lives” at https://journals-times.com/2024/01/09/12th-fail-movie-understanding-the-power-of-not-giving-up/
- Critics’ Response
On the other hand, some viewers and reviewers consider it propagandistic, biased, or a simplified presentation of history. They accuse the film of portraying Pakistan in a one-sided manner, distorting historical events, and showing selectivity in its anti-terrorism narrative.
Some describe it as full of clichés or resembling social media forwards. The bans in GCC countries and the criticism over its ‘anti-Pakistan’ content have increased the film’s visibility, unintentionally turning the criticism into free promotion.
This kind of division is not new in Indian cinema, but the scale and intensity this time have been extraordinary. Despite (or perhaps because of) all the noise and controversies, Dhurandhar has set several historic records in Hindi cinema—such as the highest second-Saturday collection and sustained double-digit earnings for weeks.
This success demonstrates that today’s audiences now prefer films that evoke deep emotions and provoke strong reactions- whether positive or negative- over merely neutral and crowd-pleasing movies.
Read more reviews at https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dhurandhar/reviews
What does the New Taste Really Mean?
Dhurandhar’s triumph shows Bollywood audiences in 2025 crave:
- Authenticity over polish: Realistic action, mature performances (Ranveer’s restrained intensity, Akshaye Khanna’s scene-stealing villainy), and no crutches like forced entries.
- Emotional stakes: Patriotism without jingoism, revenge rooted in real pain, and moral complexity.
- Theatrical events: Films that feel like “moments in time,” sparking collective excitement and repeat visits.
In a year of split verdicts, where some biggies flopped despite hype, Dhurandhar bridged the domestic masses and the global diaspora. This film signals the end of “safe” cinema and the rise of bold, conviction-driven storytelling—even if it creates division.
Although OTT platforms have played a significant role in changing Bollywood trends in many ways, today the audience wants movies that keep them hooked throughout the entire film and deliver an emotion on the big screen that not everyone can experience. Whether you choose to see it as patriotism or propaganda, what the audience truly craves is a film that holds them captive from start to finish, evoking powerful feelings on the big screen that are hard for just anyone to create.
Along with that, it should blend mystery, thrill, action, some true events directly connected to the public, and the extraordinary challenges of an exceptional life. Dhurandhar Part 2 arrives in March 2026, and the conversation is far from over.
Final Thought
Conclusion: A New Era or a Forced Choice?
Ultimately, the success of Dhurandhar suggests that a new definition of entertainment is being forged—one where violent or gritty imagery no longer sparks the same outcry or debate it once did. Digital media has undoubtedly cultivated a different kind of maturity in the modern viewer, allowing them to process complex, realistic narratives with ease.
However, we must ask the critical question: Is the Indian audience truly evolving into a more mature collective, or are they simply adapting to a shrinking pool of choices? Whether this shift is a genuine cultural evolution or a reaction to the lack of alternatives, one thing is certain: the era of “safe” cinema is over. Dhurandhar hasn’t just won the box office; it has redefined the terms of the conversation.
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