December is often the month of the biggest releases of the year. It is the second window for blockbusters each year. The most anticipated movies of December 2025 have been filling up theaters over the past few weeks, as the final movies of an eventful year come out to wrap it up in a style fitting for the awards season.
This year’s awards season has been pointing to an important truth. Even the Golden Globes are saying 2025 is the year for horror with many nominations for horror movies, including in the Best Picture – Drama category. This is not even just an exception in Hollywood, as horror has been performing great on a global scale, both critically and commercially.
Horror was the best movie genre of 2025, and one of the highest-grossing movies in Bollywood is Thamma, a highly anticipated horror-comedy. However, the biggest release of the year, which came out less than three weeks ago, has overtaken it and has become the most commercially successful Bollywood movie of 2025. I’m referring to Dhurandhar.
Dhurandhar Is Arguably The Best Action Thriller In Bollywood History
Bollywood is known for large-scale romantic musicals and period movies. However, this trend has been undergoing consistent change over the better part of the past two decades. Action movies have now become the biggest of the year, both commercially and critically. However, these widely popular big Bollywood productions are arguably not among the best Indian movies of the past decade.
Dhurandhar might change that. It has a few flaws, especially the questionable amount of artistic freedom taken in the depiction of real people and their links to real historical events that have shaped the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent. However, few Bollywood movies have delivered on their promise of exciting the audience like Dhurandhar does with its epic scale.
It follows an Indian spy (Ranveer Singh) who infiltrates the ranks of a local Pakistani gang led by Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna). The evolution of their dynamic against the backdrop of growing tensions between Pakistan and India forms the crux of the film. However, the highlights are the epic action sequences, larger-than-life characterization, and nail-biting suspense.
While these last few years have given us many memorable action thrillers, the relatively grounded fight choreography, the meaningful use of drones and unique camera angles, the suspenseful buildup towards major confrontations, and the sincerity with which the story is told keep you on the edge of your seat like never before. Investment becomes inevitable due to the adrenaline rush.
Dhurandhar Has Already Become India’s Highest-Grossing Movie Of 2025
Coolie, whose opening weekend box office put it on the domestic chart in the States, was the fourth-highest-grossing Indian movie of 2025, behind Kantara: Chapter 1, ahead of Chhaava and Saiyaara. However, in just 20 days, Dhurandhar earned ₹901 Crore, setting a record, making it to the top of 2025’s chart, and becoming the tenth-highest-grossing Indian movie ever.
Akshaye Khanna Has Successfully Reinvented Himself With Dhurandhar
You’ll remember Akshaye Khanna as the most passionate character in the leading trio of characters in Dil Chahta Hai, or as fans of his second-most-popular movie, Hungama, call him, “Jeetu from Videocon.” Either way, he is mostly known for his comedies and romance movies, alongside lesser-known social drama movies like Section 375.
However, after his role in Chhaava, which made it to the top 10 on Netflix’s streaming charts, people sat up and took notice of his comeback. Now, with Dhurandhar, he’s become everyone’s favorite subject on social media, as everyone loves his performance as the villainous mob boss. His commanding screen presence will make him perfect for upcoming action films, too.
Dhurandhar’s Music Proves The Impact Of Remixing Classics
No conversation about Bollywood and Indian cinema is complete without mentioning music. Almost always exclusively written and produced for the films, the music industry’s most popular works have enthralled listeners across borders and generations for years. They’re also essential in action movies, as the best Indian action movies feature the ideal songs to set the mood for the biggest sequences.
However, a common complaint about modern Indian cinema is the lack of creativity in the music industry’s annual output. The focus seems to have shifted from making original songs, but Dhurandhar proves that remixing is also an art. Despite mostly featuring remakes of classic Indian songs, its soundtrack is currently winning over the country, as witnessed by Spotify’s streaming charts.
Dhurandhar’s Sequel Is One Of 2026’s Most Anticipated Bollywood Movies
Not only has Dhurandhar changed the way Bollywood action movies are perceived as silly and over-the-top and reinvented Khanna’s image as an actor, but it has also set viewers up to expect more of the same. News of a sequel in March 2026 has gotten audiences hyped for the continuation of the story, which ends on a cliffhanger.
However, beyond just promising a sequel, it may have challenged the standard of action filmmaking in the country. The use of grounded action that somehow complements the larger-than-life nature of its characters and their epic moments is unique, and even more impressive is the use of tension as a narrative device. I hope that the Bollywood directors are taking notes.
