What does it mean for a film to defy industry expectations and achieve 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 amassing over Rs 1300 crore at the worldwide box office.
Despite the film’s remarkable achievements, Kohli revealed that he faced significant skepticism from his peers. “Nobody supported Dhurandhar. The biggest directors I spoke to said, ‘Monday ko baith jayegi.‘ But on Monday, it continued to thrive,” he stated, reflecting the disbelief that surrounded the project.
Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar has not only shattered records but also established itself as the first Indian franchise to earn over Rs 3000 crores globally. This success stands in stark contrast to Kohli’s earlier experiences, including the commercial hit Hum Tum, released in 2004, and the less fortunate Mujhse Dosti Karoge!, which flopped at the box office.
Industry stalwart Rakesh Roshan reached out to Kohli to congratulate him on Hum Tum‘s success, a moment that Kohli cherishes. He recalled, “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.” This sentiment highlights the rarity of such achievements in a competitive landscape.
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 cutthroat nature of Bollywood. Yet, his resilience has paid off, as evidenced by the overwhelming success of Dhurandhar.
As the film continues to draw audiences and break records, the question remains: what will Kohli do next? With the industry watching closely, the future holds both promise and uncertainty for this talented filmmaker. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his upcoming projects, but one thing is clear—Kunal Kohli has firmly established his place in Bollywood history.
