Dhurandhar 2 Premiere Disrupted by Technical Glitches Across Regions
The highly anticipated release of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge encountered significant hurdles on its opening day, as multiple premiere shows were delayed or cancelled due to unforeseen technical issues. Fans across India were left disappointed as theaters struggled to screen the film as scheduled, particularly affecting regional language versions.
Makers Issue Heartfelt Apology Amid Screening Chaos
In response to the widespread disruptions, director Aditya Dhar and the production team released an official statement on social media, expressing deep regret and apologizing to the audience. The note emphasized the emotional significance of the film, stating, "Dhurandhar is not just a film for us—it is something we have lived with, nurtured, and dreamed of sharing with each and every one of you."
The statement provided a revised screening schedule: Hindi shows are running as planned from 5 pm onwards, while Tamil and Telugu versions commenced from 9 pm. However, Kannada and Malayalam shows were postponed to the next morning due to technical difficulties. The makers assured ticket holders of refunds or the option to watch the Hindi version with subtitles as alternatives.
Premiere Cancellations Rock South Indian Markets
Earlier reports indicated that theaters in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala did not receive the final content in time for scheduled evening premieres. Major exhibitors such as Broadway Cinemas, KSPS Cinemas, Rakki Cinemas, and AGS Cinemas confirmed cancellations of Tamil premiere shows and offered refunds. Some venues provided the Hindi version as a substitute.
Ticketing platforms like BookMyShow removed several scheduled shows for Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam versions. Even Hindi premieres experienced delays of approximately 40 minutes, attributed to subtitling problems, adding to the day's frustrations.
Strong Advance Bookings Take a Hit from Cancellations
Despite the premiere hiccups, Dhurandhar 2 had generated massive pre-release traction. Trade estimates reveal that the film sold over 9 lakh tickets for premiere shows across languages, grossing around Rs 42.71 crore. Regional contributions included:
- Over Rs 1 crore from Telugu markets
- More than Rs 80 lakh from Tamil markets
- Over Rs 8 lakh each from Kannada and Malayalam markets
With cancellations in key regions, the production team is projected to face an estimated loss exceeding Rs 2.25 crore from premiere earnings alone, impacting the initial box office momentum.
Massive Opening Expected Despite Premiere Setbacks
Starring Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi, the Aditya Dhar directorial has been certified 'A' by the CBFC for its intense violent content. The film marks the return of its core cast alongside several new additions, building on the franchise's popularity.
Prior to the release, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge recorded historic pre-sales and was eyeing a Rs 40 crore debut from premieres alone. The opening day collection, including previews, is still expected to cross the Rs 100 crore nett mark at the Indian box office, positioning it as one of the biggest openers in recent times, despite the initial technical challenges.
