Dhurandhar Box Office Explosion Spotlights Stark Salary Divide Between Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna

The spy thriller Dhurandhar has become a major box office success. The film has earned a massive ₹218 crore in India so far. This makes it the sixth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.

Its performance has sparked widespread discussion. Much of the talk now centers on the cast’s salaries. A glaring pay gap between the two lead actors has come into sharp focus.

Reported Cast Fees Reveal Vast Pay Disparity

According to a Business Today report, Ranveer Singh was paid ₹50 crore. He plays the protagonist, Hamza Ali Mazari. His fee reflects his top-tier star power in Bollywood.

In stark contrast, Akshaye Khanna earned ₹2.5 crore. He delivered a critically acclaimed performance as the main villain. This salary is just 5% of what his co-star received.

The difference has surprised many industry observers. Khanna’s role is central to the film’s conflict and critical praise. Yet his compensation was significantly lower.

Industry Norms and Star Power Under Scrutiny

The situation highlights entrenched Bollywood payment structures. Lead actors with mass appeal often command the highest fees. Supporting actors, even with pivotal roles, typically earn far less.

Dhurandhar’s strong box office performance justifies the overall investment. However, it raises questions about valuing performance versus pure marketability. This gap is common but rarely this pronounced between two headline names.

Other cast members had varied pay. Sanjay Dutt reportedly earned ₹10 crore. R. Madhavan received around ₹9 crore for his key role.

The success of Dhurandhar proves audiences loved the ensemble. Yet the enormous salary gap between Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna remains the film’s most talked-about behind-the-scenes detail.

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What is Dhurandhar’s total box office collection?

Dhurandhar has collected approximately ₹218 crore at the Indian box office. It is currently the sixth-highest-grossing Hindi film released in 2025.

How much did Akshaye Khanna get paid for Dhurandhar?

Reports indicate Akshaye Khanna was paid ₹2.5 crore for his role as the antagonist. This is drastically less than co-star Ranveer Singh’s reported ₹50 crore fee.

Who are the other main cast members in the film?

The main cast includes Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan. Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun also play significant supporting roles in the thriller.

Why is there such a large salary difference?

The difference is attributed to star power and marketability. Lead stars like Ranveer Singh command high fees based on their perceived ability to draw opening-day audiences.

What is the plot of Dhurandhar?

The plot follows an Indian intelligence operative who goes undercover in Karachi. His mission is to infiltrate and dismantle a powerful criminal and terror syndicate from within.