Dhurandhar Completes December's Blockbuster Hat-Trick, Cementing First Week as Bollywood's New Power Window

The first week of December has firmly established itself as a new power-play window for Bollywood, proving to be a certified moneyspinner for three consecutive years. This period has successfully delivered a hat-trick of major box office triumphs, beginning with 2023's Animal, followed by 2024's Pushpa 2: The Rule, and cemented by 2025's ongoing sensation, Dhurandhar. The trend showcases how this pre-holiday slot has become a lucrative period for big-ticket releases, consistently drawing massive audiences and generating exceptional footfalls for exhibitors.

The trend began in 2023 when Sandeep Reddy Vanga's audacious and polarizing drama, Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, took the box office by storm. Despite its controversial themes, the film's raw storytelling and powerful performances resonated with audiences, leading to a colossal worldwide gross of ₹915 crore. It was a testament to the fact that bold content could create a cinematic event.

The momentum surged to new heights in 2024 with the arrival of the pan-Indian juggernaut, Pushpa 2: The Rule. Directed by Sukumar and led by Allu Arjun, the sequel built on the unprecedented hype of its predecessor to shatter records. Becoming a true cultural phenomenon, the film grossed an estimated ₹1,742.1 crore worldwide, with its Hindi version alone netting a staggering ₹812.14 crore. This monumental success underscored the power of a well-executed franchise and its ability to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, further solidifying the December slot's blockbuster potential.

Completing this impressive hat-trick is 2025's star-studded spy thriller, Dhurandhar. Helmed by Aditya Dhar and featuring an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, the film has taken the box office by storm. It has demonstrated a monstrous hold on weekdays, crossing the ₹200 crore mark worldwide in just its first five days. The film's success, driven by a gripping narrative and stellar performances, proves that even a standalone, content-focused film can dominate this newly established power window.

Ultimately, while a strategic release date offers a significant advantage by attracting initial attention, the sustained success of these three varied films reinforces a time-tested truth. A favourable release period may set the stage, but it is the solid storytelling, strong performances, and impactful execution of films like Animal, Pushpa 2, and Dhurandhar that truly sustain momentum and conquer the box office.