Ranveer Singh's highly anticipated spy thriller, Dhurandhar, has stormed into cinemas, prompting an unprecedented response from exhibitors. The film, which released on December 5, has led to theatres scheduling round-the-clock screenings in major cities, with ticket prices showcasing a staggering range catering to every segment of the audience.
Round-the-Clock Screenings and Sky-High Price Variations
The Aditya Dhar directorial opened to an impressive Rs 32.5 crore worldwide on its first day, bolstered by over 6,200 shows across India. Anticipating sustained demand, cinema chains have ramped up screenings. In Mumbai, some theatres have begun operating 24-hour schedules, with the earliest show starting at 12:45 am and the last one at 11:55 pm.
The ticket prices, a major talking point even before release, vary dramatically. In Mumbai's Maxus Cinemas in Bhayander, which is hosting multiple night shows, early morning tickets are priced between Rs 149 and Rs 499. Late-night shows can cost up to Rs 599. Overall, multiplex tickets in the city range from Rs 210 to Rs 1,550, while single screens offer tickets for a modest Rs 90 to Rs 150.
The trend continues in other metros. In the Delhi-NCR region, multiplex tickets are priced from Rs 250 to a premium Rs 2,300, with single-screen options available for as low as Rs 90. Bengaluru sees multiplex tickets ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 1,650, and single-screen tickets start at Rs 120.
Runtime and A-Certificate No Deterrent for Audiences
Dhurandhar also made headlines for its epic 214-minute runtime, making it one of the longest mainstream Hindi films in recent years, and its 'A' (Adults only) certificate. However, trade experts believe these factors will not hamper its commercial success.
Noted film trade analyst Komal Nahta emphasized that strong content overcomes such hurdles. He cited the example of the blockbuster Animal, which was also A-certified and over three hours long, yet shattered box office records. "If a film engages you, length doesn’t matter," Nahta stated, suggesting that audience word-of-mouth is the ultimate driver.
Box Office Outlook and Record Potential
The film's initial momentum, combined with strategic premium pricing and expanding show counts, positions it for a strong box office run. If Dhurandhar maintains its pace, industry watchers speculate it could surpass the lifetime collection of Ranveer Singh's previous highest-grosser, Padmaavat (2018), which earned Rs 302 crore, within a fortnight.
With its mix of mass and premium pricing, non-stop screenings, and buzzworthy content, Dhurandhar has firmly established itself as one of the most discussed and ambitious cinematic releases of the year, testing new paradigms in audience engagement and theatrical distribution.
