‘Dhurandhar’ hit by piracy hours after release: Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller leaks online
‘Dhurandhar’, one of the year’s most awaited releases, opened in cinemas on December 5 with an explosive debut at the box office. The Ranveer Singh-led spy thriller drew large crowds across India and overseas, delivering the biggest opening of the actor’s career.
However, the celebrations were quickly dampened as the film surfaced on multiple illegal piracy platforms within hours of its theatrical release, raising concerns about potential impact on its early momentum.
Film leaks in multiple formats online
According to TOI, pirated copies of ‘Dhurandhar’ appeared on several notorious websites on Friday, with versions ranging from low-quality 240p files to full HD 1080p prints. Despite tougher government crackdowns in recent years, new piracy portals continue to emerge, frustrating filmmakers and theatre-goers alike.
Viewers have expressed anger over the leak, noting that similar incidents recently affected titles such as ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ and ‘De De Pyaar De 2’. Industry experts warn that early piracy can chip away at the revenue of even the strongest openers.
Strong reviews for cast and direction
While the leak has raised alarm in the industry, audience response to the film itself has been overwhelmingly positive. Ranveer Singh’s performance as an Indian spy operating in Pakistan’s Lyari region has been widely praised.
The supporting cast – featuring Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Rakesh Bedi – has also drawn appreciation. Sara Arjun, who plays the female lead opposite Ranveer, has received particular attention for her role. Cinephiles have additionally credited director Aditya Dhar for crafting a gripping, high-voltage action narrative inspired by real events.
‘Dhurandhar’ officially announced its sequel through a post-credits scene on December 5, revealing that ‘Dhurandhar 2’ will hit theatres on March 19, 2026, just over three months after the first instalment. The announcement, which drew loud cheers from audiences who stayed through the credits, sets up a high-stakes box office clash with Yash's ‘Toxic’ and Ajay Devgn's ‘Dhamaal 4’, both scheduled for the same Eid 2026 weekend.
Box office: Biggest opening of Ranveer’s career
Despite the piracy setback, ‘Dhurandhar’ has stormed the box office. Early estimates, according to Sacnilk, suggest the film collected around ₹27 crore net (₹32.40 crore gross) in India on its opening day – far exceeding the ₹18–20 crore range most trade analysts had predicted.
Some unverified reports have hinted at possible figure manipulation through block bookings, but the film’s word-of-mouth boost remains undeniable. Overseas markets contributed approximately $850,000 on day one, pushing worldwide earnings to roughly ₹40 crore by Friday night.
With this start, ‘Dhurandhar’ has surpassed the opening of Ranveer Singh’s 2018 blockbuster ‘Padmaavat’, which had earned just over ₹37 crore on day one. The film has also edged past the opening day numbers of recent hits like ‘Saiyaara’, though it still trails behind ‘Chhaava’, which remains the year’s top opener at ₹47.40 crore.
Trade projections indicate that ‘Dhurandhar’ could race past the ₹100 crore worldwide mark by Sunday, if not sooner.
About the film
Set in the early 2000s, ‘Dhurandhar’ follows an Indian intelligence operative on a covert mission to dismantle criminal networks in Karachi’s Lyari district. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film blends high-stakes action with a narrative drawn from true incidents, supported by an ensemble cast of seasoned performers.
Despite falling victim to piracy within hours of release, the film’s strong critical reception and robust earnings suggest that its theatrical run may continue to thrive.