What does it mean when a film defies all odds and achieves unprecedented success? Kunal Kohli’s Dhurandhar has answered that question emphatically, becoming the first Bollywood film to cross Rs 1000 crore net in India and surpassing Rs 1300 crore at the worldwide box office.
Despite the film’s remarkable achievements, Kohli revealed that he faced significant skepticism from industry insiders. “Nobody supported Dhurandhar. The biggest directors I spoke to said, ‘Monday ko baith jayegi.‘ But it only grew stronger,” he stated, reflecting on the doubts cast upon his project.
This success is particularly poignant for Kohli, who has experienced the highs and lows of the film industry. His earlier work, Hum Tum, released in 2004, became a defining romantic comedy, earning him accolades and recognition. However, his subsequent film, Mujhse Dosti Karoge!, flopped at the box office, illustrating the unpredictable nature of filmmaking.
In a heartwarming moment, Rakesh Roshan reached out to Kohli to congratulate him on Hum Tum‘s success, a gesture that underscores the camaraderie that can exist in the competitive film industry. “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,” Roshan praised.
As Dhurandhar continues to break records, it has also become the first Indian franchise to earn over Rs 3000 crores worldwide, a milestone that speaks volumes about its appeal and the dedication of its creators.
Kohli’s journey has not been without its challenges. He noted that “99% of the people in the industry don’t want you to succeed,” a stark reminder of the competitive landscape filmmakers often navigate.
Looking ahead, the film’s success raises questions about the future of Bollywood and the potential for more films to achieve similar heights. With Border 2 also performing well, collecting over Rs 300 crores, the industry may be witnessing a shift in audience preferences.
As we celebrate this triumph, it remains to be seen how Kohli and his team will build on this momentum. The film industry is ever-evolving, and the next chapter for Kohli could be just as exciting as this one.
