It’s the season of spy thrillers in Bollywood. After Dhurandhar’s mega success, Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, another film based on the genre, marked its theatrical release this week. The quirky spy comedy, which also happens to be comedian-actor Vir Das’ directorial debut, is attempting to build on the momentum set by Dhurandhar, which has already crossed Rs 900 crore at the domestic box office and Rs 1,300 crore worldwide, and cash in on a genre that has become a reliable crowd-puller in Bollywood.
This year’s lineup includes several major titles in the genre. Alpha, the female-led film in the YRF Spy Universe, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh with Bobby Deol as the antagonist, is all set for an April 17 release. Pathaan 2, a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, is also reportedly on track for a 2026 release. Similarly, G2, a Telugu spy thriller and a sequel to the 2018 hit Goodachari, starring Adivi Sesh, Emraan Hashmi, and Wamiqa Gabbi, will be opened to the public on May 1.
Juggernaut Effect
For exhibitors and distributors, spy movies are a win-win. Aamer Bijli, lead specialist for innovation and film marketing at PVR INOX, said spy films remain consistent theatrical performers when executed well. “We see them generate strong interest across both metro and non-metro markets. When these films are well-mounted—with a gripping narrative, high production values, and strong word-of-mouth—they perform exceptionally well,” he added.
Bijli pointed out that Next-Gen and Gen-Z audiences are particularly drawn to immersive storytelling that balances smart action with relatable stakes—be it geopolitical or emotional. “Spy films deliver exactly that, offering suspense, scale, and star power in one package. As a result, these films not only open well but sustain momentum through reviews, word-of-mouth, and high engagement, especially across premium and large-screen formats.
At PVR INOX, Bijli has seen this consistently. Pathaan earned over Rs 600 crore in India and Rs 1,000 crore globally, while films like War, the Tiger franchise, Raazi, and Baby demonstrated that both content-led and spectacle-driven spy films thrive in theatres.
Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, MD, Miraj Entertainment, said, “Spy films work well in India largely because they deliver scale, urgency and repeat value — all the things audiences now expect from a theatrical experience. These films are designed for the big screen, with action, visuals and pace that justify stepping out of the house. Another reason is familiarity. Audiences already understand the universe, the characters and the tone. So whether it’s the YRF Spy Universe or standalone action thrillers, there is a certain trust that the film will deliver entertainment. That trust helps in strong openings.”
For Mendiratta, films like Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos are positioned as a light, mass-friendly entertainer, and usually benefit from word of mouth rather than huge openings. “If the content connects well, the film has the potential to build gradually through the week and target a lifetime business of around Rs 30-Rs 35 crore,” added Mendiratta.
Evolution of Intelligence
However, trends suggest that sustained theatrical success of spy movies depends squarely on narrative depth and audience engagement. Film critic Taran Adarsh said Dhurandhar’s performance underscores a key lesson for filmmakers. “While opening numbers and hype may create initial momentum, it is the strength of the story that determines long-term success. When content works, box office numbers follow. In Bollywood’s spy genre, as in cinema at large, storytelling continues to be the decisive factor,” he added.
Unlike spectacle-heavy entertainers and larger-than-life franchises such as Ek Tha Tiger and Pathaan, Dhurandhar adopted a more grounded, realistic tone without abandoning mainstream appeal. This balance, Adarsh said, reflects how modern spy cinema in Bollywood has diversified, offering audiences both mass entertainers and content-driven narratives within the same genre.