Veteran Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna has created history at the box office, emerging as the first Indian actor after Shah Rukh Khan to cross the remarkable ₹2,000 crore mark in worldwide collections within a single calendar year. Known for his understated brilliance and powerful screen presence, Akshaye’s achievement in 2025 has redefined the benchmarks of success in Hindi cinema and reinforced the idea that strong performances can drive massive commercial returns.

According to industry reports, films featuring Akshaye Khanna released in 2025 collectively earned over ₹2,001 crore globally. What makes this milestone even more special is the fact that Akshaye achieved it not as a conventional solo hero, but largely through impactful antagonist roles. His performances proved that compelling characters, regardless of screen time or billing, can become the backbone of blockbuster storytelling.

Two Films, One Historic Year

Akshaye Khanna’s extraordinary year began with Laxman Utekar’s historical epic Chhaava. In the film, Akshaye portrayed Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, delivering an intense and layered performance that received widespread critical acclaim. Starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, Chhaava went on to become the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.

The film recorded an impressive worldwide box office collection of approximately ₹809 crore. Audiences and critics alike praised Akshaye for bringing depth and gravitas to a complex historical character, making Aurangzeb one of the most talked-about portrayals of the year.

The momentum continued in December with the release of Aditya Dhar’s high-octane spy thriller Dhurandhar. Featuring a powerful ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, the film exceeded expectations at the box office. Akshaye played the role of gangster Rahman Dacoit, a character that stood out for its intensity and psychological depth.

As of now, Dhurandhar has collected around ₹1,167 crore worldwide, making it the biggest Hindi release of 2025. With its theatrical run still ongoing and strong audience turnout, the film is also inching closer to joining the elite ₹1,100 crore India net club.

Together, Chhaava and Dhurandhar pushed Akshaye Khanna past the ₹2,000 crore milestone, placing him in an exclusive league of actors.

A Rare Non-Khan Achievement

Before Akshaye Khanna, Shah Rukh Khan had set an unmatched record in 2023 when Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki collectively earned ₹2,685 crore worldwide in a single year. Other landmark films such as Aamir Khan’s Dangal crossed ₹2,000 crore globally, but over a span of two years, not within one calendar year.

Similarly, major blockbusters like Prabhas’ Baahubali 2 and Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 came close to the ₹1,700 crore mark, while several highly anticipated projects are still awaiting release. However, Akshaye Khanna now stands out as the only non-Khan actor to have achieved this massive box office figure in one year.

Performance Over Stardom

One of the most striking aspects of Akshaye Khanna’s success is that it challenges the long-held belief that only superstar-led films can dominate the box office. Despite playing negative roles in both major releases, his presence elevated the narrative and added credibility to the films. Industry insiders and fans agree that his nuanced acting played a crucial role in the success of both projects.

What’s Next for Akshaye Khanna?

With Dhurandhar still performing strongly, Akshaye Khanna’s winning streak shows no signs of slowing down. His upcoming projects, including Drishyam 3 and Dhurandhar 2, are scheduled for release in 2026 and are already generating significant buzz.

Given his outstanding achievements and consistent performances, many in the industry are calling 2025 the “Year of Akshaye Khanna.” The actor’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that longevity, talent, and dedication can lead to historic milestones, even in an industry driven by star power.

As the box office numbers continue to rise, Akshaye Khanna’s record-breaking year will be remembered as a defining chapter in modern Indian cinema.