Akshaye Khanna Steals Show as Villain in Dhurandhar, Film Enters ₹150 Crore Club Race

Ranveer Singh's comeback film "Dhurandhar" has stormed the box office, collecting ₹126 crore in just four days and surpassing Salman Khan's "Sikander" lifetime collection of ₹122.14 crore. The action entertainer, featuring Akshaye Khanna as the main villain alongside Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan, collected approximately ₹23 crore on Monday, positioning it to enter the ₹150 crore club within five days.

0
Akshaye Khanna Steals Show

Key Points:

  • Dhurandhar collects ₹126 crore in 4 days, enters 100 crore club in 3 days
  • Ranveer Singh’s explosive comeback after long hiatus draws massive audiences
  • Akshaye Khanna’s villain performance receives even more praise than Ranveer’s action
  • Film surpasses Salman Khan’s Sikander lifetime collection (₹122.14 crore) in just 4 days
  • Monday collection of ₹23 crore shows strong weekday momentum
  • Star-studded cast includes Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan in pivotal roles
  • Film targets ₹150 crore club within 5 days if Tuesday performance holds strong

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has orchestrated the most explosive comeback of his career with “Dhurandhar,” a film that has sparked unprecedented box-office hysteria across India. Returning to the screen after a significant hiatus, Ranveer has delivered a performance that has reignited audience passion for large-scale masala entertainers. The film’s opening day set new benchmarks, and, remarkably, the momentum hasn’t slowed down even after the weekend, proving that Indian audiences were hungry for Ranveer’s unique brand of high-energy cinema.

The actor’s powerful action sequences and captivating screen presence have drawn widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Trade analysts note that Ranveer’s comeback timing is perfect, filling a void for pure commercial entertainment that has been missing from Bollywood’s recent content-heavy offerings. His ability to command the screen with raw intensity while maintaining mass appeal has reminded the industry why he remains one of the most bankable stars of his generation.

Akshaye Khanna’s Villainous Masterclass

While Ranveer’s return has dominated headlines, the film’s most surprising element is Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of the main villain, a performance that has stolen the spotlight. The moment Akshaye appears on screen, theatres erupt in spontaneous applause, a rare phenomenon for an antagonist. Critics and audiences alike are calling this his most impressive negative performance of his career, surpassing even his acclaimed roles in “Race” and “Humraaz.”

Akshaye’s character brings psychological depth and menacing charisma that elevate the film beyond typical action fare. His confrontations with Ranveer have become instant fan favourites, with dialogue exchanges trending on social media. The actor’s ability to make evil compelling without resorting to caricature has reminded Bollywood of his immense talent, potentially opening doors for more complex villain roles in future blockbusters.

Star-Studded Ensemble Strengthens Narrative

“Dhurandhar” benefits from an exceptional supporting cast that adds gravitas to every frame. Arjun Rampal delivers a powerful performance as Ranveer’s mentor, bringing intensity to their shared scenes. Sanjay Dutt’s extended cameo as a retired gangster adds nostalgic value and emotional weight to the climax. R. Madhavan, in a surprising role as a corrupt politician, showcases his versatility and provides the story with political intrigue that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Each supporting actor contributes meaningfully to the narrative, ensuring that Dhurandhar feels like an ensemble piece rather than a one-man show. Their collective presence has broadened the film’s appeal across different demographic segments, from younger fans drawn to Ranveer’s energy to mature audiences appreciating the seasoned performances of Akshaye, Sanjay Dutt, and Madhavan.

Box Office Domination and Record-Breaking Performance

According to the latest trade reports, “Dhurandhar” has achieved what few films manage: it entered the prestigious ₹100 crore club in just three days. The film’s Monday collection of approximately ₹23 crore demonstrates exceptional hold, bringing its total domestic net collection to ₹126 crore. This weekday performance is particularly impressive, as most big openers experience significant drops on the first working day.

The film’s trajectory suggests it could join the ₹150 crore club within five days if Tuesday’s collections maintain momentum. Trade analysts are revising their lifetime projections upward, with many now predicting a final tally between ₹250-300 crore. The consistent rise in earnings proves that audiences aren’t just hungry for Ranveer Singh’s films but are craving large-scale masala entertainers that deliver pure cinematic spectacle.

Crushing Salman Khan’s Sikander Record

In a development that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, “Dhurandhar” has already broken Salman Khan’s “Sikander” record in just four days. Reports indicate that “Sikandar” had a lifetime net collection of ₹103.45 crore, with a gross collection reaching ₹122.14 crore. Dhurandhar has surpassed these figures decisively, establishing new benchmarks for action entertainers.

This achievement is particularly significant given Salman Khan’s status as one of Bollywood’s most consistent box office draws. For Ranveer to outperform a Salman Khan starrer so comprehensively signals a potential shift in the industry’s power dynamics. The record-breaking performance has sparked intense discussions about star rankings and has positioned Ranveer as a serious contender for the top spot in Bollywood’s hierarchy.

Audience Reception and Word-of-Mouth Power

What makes Dhurandhar’s success truly remarkable is the organic word-of-mouth that continues to drive audiences to theatres. Social media is flooded with videos of audiences cheering, clapping, and whistling during key scenes, particularly Akshaye Khanna’s entry and the pre-interval confrontation. Cinema owners report that shows are running houseful even during non-peak hours, a testament to the film’s strong audience connect.

Critics have noted that the film works because it delivers exactly what it promises: high-octane action, memorable dialogue, and star performances without pretentious messaging. In an era where content-driven cinema often dominates conversations, Dhurandhar proves that there remains a massive audience for unapologetic commercial entertainment done right.

Future Records and Industry Impact

As Dhurandhar continues its strong run on Tuesday, the industry is watching to see what other records it might break. The film is already the highest-opening Ranveer Singh starrer and the fastest to enter the ₹100 crore club in his career. Trade experts suggest it could challenge the opening week records of films like “Pathaan” and “Jawan” if the current momentum continues.

The success has immediate implications for Bollywood’s production landscape, with studios already greenlighting similar large-scale action entertainers. Ranveer’s comeback has also revived interest in his upcoming projects, including Rohit Shetty’s “Singham Again” and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Love & War.” For Akshaye Khanna, the performance has reignited his career, with reports suggesting he has signed two major villain roles in upcoming big-budget productions.

“Dhurandhar” has not just revived Ranveer Singh’s career but has redefined what a successful Bollywood comeback looks like in the current era. By combining star power, solid content, and exceptional performances, the film has created a perfect storm at the box office. As it continues to break records and win audience hearts, Dhurandhar proves that when Bollywood gets its masala formula right, the results can be truly spectacular.

certificate batch

Advertisement