How does Saif Ali Khan describe the impact of Dhurandhar on Indian cinema?

Saif Ali Khan states that he sees a clear division between a time before and a time after Dhurandhar, marking it as a revolutionary shift in how music and narratives are integrated in films.

What specific change in music strategy does Saif Ali Khan praise?

He praises the move away from creating standalone albums for every film, noting that Dhurandhar integrated songs naturally into the story and embraced global influences and English lyrics.

What were the box office figures for the Dhurandhar franchise?

The two-part franchise grossed over Rs 3,100 crore worldwide, with the second film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, alone collecting Rs 1,813 crore.

What is Saif Ali Khan's message to other filmmakers regarding Dhurandhar?

He urges the industry to 'wake up or catch up,' warning that filmmakers must adapt to new audience expectations for passion-driven, non-formulaic storytelling or risk falling behind.

Wake Up or Catch Up: How Saif Ali Khan Says Dhurandhar Changed Bollywood Forever

Saif Ali Khan declares that the Dhurandhar franchise has created a clear 'before and after' moment for Indian cinema, challenging the industry to evolve its approach to music and storytelling.

Actor Saif Ali Khan has drawn a sharp line in the sand for modern Bollywood, declaring that the industry must either evolve or risk becoming obsolete. His verdict? The Dhurandhar franchise has fundamentally rewritten the rules of filmmaking, specifically regarding how music and storytelling intertwine.

The Great Divide: Before and After Dhurandhar

In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Saif Ali Khan didn't just praise the new wave of cinema; he framed it as a historical pivot point. He explicitly stated that he now views the industry in two distinct eras: a time before Dhurandhar and a time after. This isn't hyperbole; it's a call to action for his peers.

According to Khan, the success of Aditya Dhar's spy thrillers has raised the bar for what audiences expect. The franchise, which stars Ranveer Singh and features a massive ensemble cast including Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna, has proven that bold, high-stakes storytelling pays off. The financial results back up this cultural shift, with the two films collectively grossing over Rs 3,100 crore worldwide. The gap between this success and the next highest-grossing film of 2026, Border 2 (which earned around Rs 450 crore), highlights just how dominant the franchise became.

A Revolutionary Soundtrack Strategy

The most significant change Khan identifies is in the approach to music. He argues that the Dhurandhar films moved away from the outdated model of creating a standalone album just to fill time. Instead, the music was woven directly into the narrative fabric of the story.

Integrated Storytelling: Songs like Shararat were described by Khan as "revolutionary" because they served the plot rather than interrupting it.
Global Influences: The soundtrack drew inspiration from diverse global sources, breaking the traditional boundaries of Indian film scores.
Linguistic Freedom: Khan praised the franchise for not being "too frightened of English," allowing for a more natural and modern auditory experience.

This shift means that the music feels fresh and organic on screen, a stark contrast to the formulaic approach that dominated the previous era.

Wake Up or Catch Up: The Industry's Ultimatum

Khan's message to his fellow filmmakers is direct and unapologetic. He believes that the era of repeating familiar formulas is over. Audiences are now hungry for films made with genuine passion and fresh ideas. The success of Dhurandhar has proven that viewers are willing to embrace gritty narratives and complex characters if the execution is up to par.

The actor emphasized that the industry now faces a choice: adapt to these new standards or get left behind. "It's up to us whether we catch up or not and wake up or not," Khan stated, suggesting that the path forward requires courage and a willingness to take creative risks. The Dhurandhar franchise didn't just entertain; it educated the audience on what is possible, forcing the rest of the industry to level up.

Audience reaction to the massive box office success of the Dhurandhar franchise

Key Takeaways from Saif's Analysis

For anyone looking at where Bollywood is heading, Khan's insights offer a clear roadmap. The future of Hindi cinema depends on:

Narrative-Driven Music: Abandoning the "album-first" mentality for songs that advance the story.
Global Ambition: Incorporating international sounds and linguistic diversity without hesitation.
Passion Over Formula: Prioritizing unique, high-quality storytelling over safe, repetitive tropes.

As Aditya Dhar's vision continues to dominate the cultural conversation, the question remains whether other studios will rise to the challenge or watch from the sidelines. The data suggests that the window for the old way of doing things has officially closed.