Bollywood before Dhurandhar and after: Saif Ali Khan explains why Hindi cinema must change after Ranveer Singh's blockbuster

Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar franchise has done more than rewrite box office records. Its massive success has also started conversations about the future of Hindi cinema. Among those weighing in is Saif Ali Khan, who believes the industry has entered a new phase after the blockbuster. According to the actor, filmmakers can no longer rely on old formulas if they want to connect with audiences in today's changing entertainment landscape.

Dhurandhar's box office success changed the game

Released in December 2025 and March 2026, the two Dhurandhar films together earned more than Rs 3,100 crore at the worldwide box office, making it the biggest Hindi film franchise to date. Dhurandhar: The Revenge alone collected Rs 1,813 crore globally, while the second-highest Hindi grosser of 2026, Border 2, earned around Rs 450 crore. The huge gap has become a talking point within the film industry.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Saif said he now looks at Hindi cinema in terms of a period before Dhurandhar and another after it. He suggested that the film has raised audience expectations and that filmmakers now have to decide whether they are willing to adapt to those changing standards.


Speaking about what today's viewers are looking for, Saif said audiences seem more interested in films that are made with genuine passion and offer something different. Instead of repeating familiar ideas, he believes filmmakers should take creative risks and tell stories that stand out.

"I see a time before Dhurandhar and a time after. So, it is up to us if we catch up or wake up or not. It seems like an obvious idea to make amazing music rather than creating a new album for each film, and to draw on all kinds of things from all around the world, not being too frightened of English also," he added.

The actor also hinted that Bollywood needs to stop playing it safe. In his view, the success of Dhurandhar shows that viewers reward films that are ambitious and made with conviction rather than projects that simply follow established commercial formulas.

Music should add to the story

Saif also talked about one aspect of Dhurandhar that impressed him the most, its music. He said, "I am just talking about the music. It was fantastic, some of the remixes. Instead of hiring a beautiful leading lady to do an 'item' for you, if you just treat it as a song and have these two girls performing as you would in a wedding, it doesn't jar the eyes at all."

Another point Saif raised was the importance of being open to new influences. He believes filmmakers should not hesitate to experiment with ideas from around the world if they suit the story. According to him, cinema should evolve with changing audience tastes instead of limiting itself to conventional expectations.

Saif Ali Khan's work front

Saif's remarks come at a time when his own theatrical journey has been mixed. The actor has not delivered a major box office hit since Tanhaji in 2020. Films such as Jawaani Jaaneman, Bunty Aur Babli 2 and Vikram Vedha failed to make a significant impact commercially. Although Adipurush and Devara Part 1 collected sizeable worldwide numbers, both films fell short of expectations considering their massive budgets.

However, Saif will next be seen in Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan. The film also stars Akshay Kumar and is the Hindi remake of the Malayalam thriller Oppam. It is scheduled to release in theatres on September 11, 2026.

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2 is currently streaming on Netflix and JioHotstar in India.