Actor Saif Ali Khan said Bollywood filmmakers must become braver and innovate to remain relevant following the success of the film Dhurandhar.
Khan believes the industry is at a crossroads where it must either evolve its storytelling or risk obsolescence. The shift comes as the industry processes the impact of the film's bold creative direction and commercial performance.
Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar earned approximately Rs 3,100 crore [1] at the box office. According to Khan, the film's success proves that audiences are receptive to music-driven approaches and riskier narrative choices. He suggests the industry is now divided into a period before and after the movie's release.
"Dhurandhar has shown that Bollywood must make braver choices to function in a post‑Dhurandhar world," Khan said.
The actor emphasized that the current climate requires a psychological shift for producers and directors. He noted that the industry's survival depends on whether creators decide to adapt to these new audience expectations.
"We need to be braver as filmmakers," Khan said.
Khan said the window for adaptation is narrow. He described the situation as a necessity for the industry to regain its creative edge.
"We catch up or not and wake up or not," Khan said.
“"We need to be braver as filmmakers."”
The massive commercial success of Dhurandhar, totaling Rs 3,100 crore, signals a potential shift in Indian cinema's consumption patterns. By calling for the industry to 'wake up,' Khan is highlighting a tension between traditional, safe Bollywood formulas and a growing appetite for high-risk, innovative storytelling that can achieve global-scale financial returns.
