What does Kunal Kohli’s recent success with his film Dhurandhar signify for his career and the Bollywood landscape? It marks a remarkable turnaround, as the film has not only crossed Rs 1000 crore net in India but has also achieved over Rs 1300 crore at the worldwide box office.
Kohli’s journey has been fraught with challenges. He recalled that when he was developing Dhurandhar, many industry insiders expressed skepticism. “Nobody supported Dhurandhar. The biggest directors I spoke to said, ‘Monday ko baith jayegi.‘ But it not only survived but thrived,” he stated, highlighting the film’s unexpected resilience.
Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar has become the first Indian franchise to earn over Rs 3000 crores globally, a feat that underscores Kohli’s ability to defy industry expectations. His earlier work, Hum Tum, released in 2004, was a commercial success and established him as a notable filmmaker, but it was followed by setbacks, including the underwhelming performance of Mujhse Dosti Karoge!.
Despite the ups and downs, Kohli remains undeterred. He noted, “It doesn’t matter if the industry supports you or not,” reflecting a resilient spirit that has characterized his career. His determination was evident when he attended a preview screening of Hum Tum against advice, a decision that ultimately paid off.
The film’s success has drawn congratulations from industry veterans, including Rakesh Roshan, who called Kohli to share the news of Dhurandhar‘s packed shows, stating, “Kunal, your film is houseful in the 12:30 pm show on Monday in Indore!”
As Kohli continues to navigate the complexities of the film industry, he remains aware of the competitive landscape. He remarked, “99% of the people in the industry don’t want you to succeed,” a sentiment that resonates with many filmmakers facing similar challenges.
Looking ahead, Kohli’s next steps remain to be seen as he capitalizes on this newfound success. The film industry is ever-evolving, and while Kohli has proven his mettle, the question remains: can he sustain this momentum in future projects?
