Comedian and content creator Tanmay Bhat has once again become the centre of online conversation after taking a playful dig at actor Varun Dhawan’s box office record during a recent appearance, triggering laughter across social media and reigniting discussions about Bollywood’s obsession with box office numbers.
The joke, which quickly went viral online, came during a conversation surrounding the phenomenal success of director Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise, headlined by Ranveer Singh. The film series has emerged as one of the biggest box office success stories in recent Hindi cinema, breaking multiple records and establishing Ranveer as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.
According to clips circulating online, Tanmay jokingly compared the performance of Ranveer’s films with that of Varun Dhawan’s recent releases. His punchline referenced the enormous collections achieved by Dhurandhar and its sequel, using those figures to poke fun at the comparatively modest commercial performance of some of Varun’s recent projects. The remark immediately drew reactions from fans of both actors.
The comedian’s style of humour has long relied on pop culture references and celebrity roasts. As one of India’s most recognised digital comedians and content creators, Tanmay frequently incorporates trending entertainment topics into his sketches, reaction videos and public appearances.
The timing of the joke was significant because Dhurandhar has become an unprecedented box office phenomenon. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the original film released in late 2025 and went on to become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films ever. The sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, performed even better, crossing major milestones both domestically and internationally.
Trade reports indicate that Dhurandhar: The Revenge concluded its theatrical run with domestic collections exceeding ₹1,149 crore and worldwide earnings crossing ₹1,800 crore, making it one of the most successful Indian films of all time.
The franchise’s extraordinary success has significantly boosted Ranveer Singh’s standing within the industry. Several filmmakers and industry figures have publicly praised his performance in the films, with some even describing the project as a game-changer for modern Hindi cinema.
The viral clip quickly spread across Instagram, X and Reddit, generating mixed reactions. Many viewers praised Tanmay’s comic timing and viewed the remark as harmless banter, while some Varun Dhawan fans argued that reducing an actor’s career to box office figures ignores other aspects of their work and popularity.
Interestingly, Varun and Tanmay have interacted publicly before. The actor has previously appeared in content associated with the comedian and has often demonstrated a willingness to laugh at memes and jokes directed at himself. This history has led many viewers to interpret the latest roast as friendly humour rather than a serious criticism.
Meanwhile, Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise continues to dominate conversations even months after release. The films not only shattered box office records but also established a sprawling spy universe that has generated significant audience interest. Reports suggest that both Dhar and Ranveer Singh accepted reduced upfront compensation in exchange for backend profit-sharing arrangements, a decision that proved highly rewarding after the films’ massive success.
As clips of Tanmay’s joke continue circulating online, the incident serves as another reminder of how deeply box office numbers have become embedded in Bollywood’s public discourse. Whether viewed as a harmless roast or an unfair comparison, the joke has succeeded in doing what comedy often aims to achieve: getting people talking.
For now, neither Varun Dhawan nor Ranveer Singh has publicly responded to the viral moment. But judging by the reactions online, Tanmay Bhat’s one-liner has already secured its place among the entertainment world’s most discussed celebrity roasts of the week.