For many years, Bollywood has been debating what still works in theaters: whether it's star power or intellectual property, content or big scenes, a strong opening or long-term success. The question remains: can a serious, adult Hindi action movie still attract audiences in its third week?
Dhurandhar doesn't just join this debate — it ends it with real numbers, loud reactions, and a very clear message: when a film feels like a big event, people still come — and keep coming.
With Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh has given an answer that's hard to ignore.
On its third Sunday, Dhurandhar reportedly earned a massive Rs. 40.3 crore, pushing its total India earnings to around Rs. 579.2 crore at that point — a strong ongoing performance that's become a headline on its own.
Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh highlights this big change in how things are being seen.
"When the advance bookings started, they didn't start with a big bang. Neither did the opening. But I always say, it's not the opening that decides everything. It's the lifetime business that matters. Look how it's doing now!"
But there's a bigger story here: Dhurandhar isn't just a win for a film — it's a career turning point for Ranveer Singh.
The biggest change: Ranveer's track record now includes a blockbuster crown.
Ranveer Singh's filmography, with 17 films to date, looks like a complete market picture: 1 All-Time Blockbuster, 2 Blockbusters, 1 Super Hit, 1 Semi Hit, 3 Hits, 4 Average Films, 4 Flops, and 1 Disaster.
This mix matters because it shows that Dhurandhar is more than just a big win — it's the kind of win that changes how people see him.
In today's environment, a single huge box office performance doesn't just bring in money — it brings in authority.
As Taran Adarsh puts it clearly, "You are always known by your last film.
And when your last film is a huge hit at the box office, you're back in the race." He adds context about the competitive scene, saying, "At one point, he was closely competing with Ranbir Kapoor. That was during Padmaavat and other films. Over time, that position slipped. Ranbir Kapoor moved ahead with 'Animal.' Ranveer was waiting for those numbers to come in because in this industry, you're only remembered by your numbers. Your Friday box office numbers decide where you stand. And finally, Ranveer Singh delivered those numbers."
"This isn't just a hit. It's a way to rebuild reputation and set new standards," says a senior distributor who asked to stay anonymous. "After a film like this, the question changes from 'Will it open?' to 'How big can it get?'"
Ranveer has now joined an exclusive group of actors with the highest total box office earnings, and he's climbing quickly.
With the help of Dhurandhar, he has entered the All Time Top 10 actors based on cumulative collections. His total earnings from just 17 films are Rs. 2,204.21 crore, placing him at No. 8 on the list as of December 22, 2025.
The key point is that this number is growing.
While Dhurandhar is still playing, his position is expected to rise even more. Industry experts already see him moving toward the next level above him, and the potential for success after Part 2 only makes this trend stronger.
"What makes this special is the average earnings per film," says an exhibitor.
"He's not getting there by making many films. He's getting there by making a big impact."
It's not just about box office numbers.
Ranveer's brand is already more valuable than Shah Rukh Khan's. According to the Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation 2024, Ranveer Singh is ranked No. 2 with a brand value of $170.7 million, ahead of Shah Rukh Khan, who is at No. 3 with $145.7 million.
Looking at the longer timeline, the growth is even more impressive: 2019: $93.5 M, 2020: $102.9 M, 2021: $158.3 M, 2022: $181.7 M, 2023: $203.1 M.
Adarsh connects this success directly to the film's performance.
"When a film works, there is full acceptance. People have appreciated his performance. He has always been a good actor. His films have also been different. He has chosen very good films. Right from his very first film Band Baaja Baaraat, he made an impact."
He also explains how delicate and powerful this system is. "
If your last Friday works, it's great. If it doesn't, you have to start all over again. When you have numbers like these, which challenge the biggest films, it means you have really delivered a mega blockbuster."
This changes the return on investment story in his favor.
For a while, the discussion around Ranveer wasn't about talent (which was never in question) but about the predictability of returns. Dhurandhar changes that permanently. It gives producers and studios what they want most: proof of box office success on a large scale.
As Adarsh summarizes, "This helps everyone connected to the film.
And Ranveer is also set to benefit a lot from this film. The brand value really goes high after such a success. And this is not a normal hit. This is a blockbuster of epic proportions."
It also moves Ranveer from being just a star to owning a genre.
Every generation has actors who own a space: romance, comedy, action, mass drama. Dhurandhar doesn't just add another hit to Ranveer's list — it positions him as a real action brand that can lead big-screen spectacles without needing a safety net (like franchise nostalgia or remakes). This is how you move from a lead actor to a category leader.
It gives him rare power: the ability to choose bolder next steps.
After a film like Dhurandhar, Ranveer can do what very few actors can — say no to weak scripts, demand stronger writing, lock in top directors early, and negotiate from a position of strength (in terms of fees, profit share, and creative input).
In short: Dhurandhar doesn't just make him bigger — it makes him harder to contain.
Adarsh is confident the momentum will continue.
"I have been told that in the second part, he has an out-and-out role. The film revolves around him. And I am sure he will again take the film to dizzying heights."
It also changes his public image from chaotic energy to command.
Ranveer has always been seen as exciting, unpredictable, and larger than life. Dhurandhar adds an important layer: authority. It tells the audience, the trade, and the industry: this guy isn't just loud — he can lead an era-defining film. That shift in perception is priceless, because perception is what builds superstardom faster than any PR campaign ever can.
This is why for Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar matters beyond just ticket sales.
It strengthens the most powerful kind of stardom today — the kind that has influence across industries (theatre, OTT, endorsements, and global attention).
Dhurandhar has done something extremely rare in one move: it has made Ranveer Singh look like a modern, scalable superstar — not just because he can act, but because he can carry a big film, keep the momentum going, and move entire markets.
And when a star starts to dominate both box office numbers and brand value, the industry doesn't just cheer for a hit — it starts to revolve around that star.
