‘Dhurandhar’, ‘Animal’, ‘Marco’, 'Kill': How violent cinema became a massive box office winner

In recent years, Indian cinema has witnessed a noticeable shift towards darker, more violent storytelling led by intense, morally complex protagonists. The era of soft, romantic heroes has gradually given way to rugged, alpha characters who dominate the screen with raw aggression. Films like ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ have only pushed this trend further, but the groundwork was laid by several blockbuster hits that embraced brutality and turned it into box office gold.

Unni Mukundan’s ‘Marco’, directed by Haneef Adeni, took violence in Malayalam cinema to an entirely new level. The film follows a man driven by vengeance after the brutal killing of his brother, turning his journey into a relentless blood-soaked mission. What sets ‘Marco’ apart is how violence isn’t just an element; it defines the narrative. The film made history by becoming the first A-rated Malayalam movie to cross the Rs 100 crore mark, proving that audiences were ready for unapologetically gritty storytelling.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, ‘Animal’ stars Ranbir Kapoor in one of his most intense roles to date. Playing Rannvijay Singh, a man consumed by rage after an attack on his father (Anil Kapoor), the film dives deep into obsession, masculinity, and unchecked violence. Packed with stylised action and emotionally charged conflicts, ‘Animal’ became a massive commercial success, earning over Rs 900 crore worldwide and sparking widespread debate around its themes.

Headlined by Yash and directed by Prashanth Neel, the ‘KGF’ saga redefined large-scale action in Indian cinema. Chronicling the rise of Rocky from the streets to the powerful gold mafia, the films are packed with high-octane action, stylised violence, and a larger-than-life narrative. With ‘KGF Chapter 1’ and ‘KGF Chapter 2’ collectively grossing over Rs 1,400 crore, the franchise set new benchmarks for commercial success driven by mass appeal and intense storytelling.

A gritty action thriller directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, ‘Kill’ stands out for its unique setting and raw execution. Starring Lakshya, Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala, the film unfolds almost entirely on a moving train. The story follows an NSG commando fighting against brutal adversaries in a confined space, resulting in intense, close-quarters combat. Despite a modest budget, ‘Kill’ impressed audiences globally with its innovative action design and relentless pace.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ takes cinematic violence to another level by blending espionage with brutal action. Featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Sara Arjun, the film follows Indian spy Hamza Ali Mazari as he infiltrates a dangerous criminal network. Known for its inventive action sequences that rely less on conventional weapons and more on unexpected elements, ‘Dhurandhar’ struck a chord with audiences, grossing over Rs 1,300 crore globally. While on the other hand, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has crossed Rs. 450 crore on the 5th day of its release and has collected above Rs. 700 crore globally so far.