Mumbai: Ranveer Singh’s latest release Dhurandhar delivered a stunning box-office debut, outperforming industry projections and prompting theatres across Mumbai to add post-midnight and early-morning shows. While trade analysts had expected the film to open in the ₹18–20 crore range, the action-packed spy thriller shocked the industry with a ₹27 crore opening day collection—marking the highest opening of Ranveer Singh’s career.
Theatres push for more shows after massive turnout
Following the unexpectedly strong response, exhibitors swiftly expanded the film’s show count. By Friday evening, several Mumbai theatres had rolled out post-midnight slots to accommodate surging demand.
PVR Sangam in Chakala added a 1:50 AM show, while Eros introduced a rare 6 AM IMAX screening. PVR Citi Mall and MovieMax Sion followed suit with early-morning shows, and Metro INOX slotted a 1:30 AM screening.
However, the most aggressive expansion came from Maxus Cinemas. The Bhayandar property is now running as many as eight late-night and early-morning shows, screening the film nearly round the clock. Its Borivali counterpart has also booked six shows during the same off-peak hours, effectively turning Dhurandhar into a 24×7 cinema offering.
Exhibitors note that the enthusiasm is driven primarily by positive word of mouth, with audiences praising the film’s gritty storytelling, high-octane action and Ranveer Singh’s standout performance.
Opening day numbers exceed expectations
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar collected ₹27 crore net on its opening day, emerging as one of the biggest Hindi film openings of 2025—second only to Chhaava, which earned ₹31 crore. The film’s advance booking stood at a relatively modest ₹14 crore, but strong audience reactions on release day helped drive footfalls significantly higher.
Industry chatter suggests there were unverified claims of block bookings influencing early numbers, though no official confirmation has been issued. For now, exhibitors maintain that the high occupancy across late-night shows indicates genuine demand.
Inside the world of Dhurandhar
Set in Pakistan in the early 2000s, Dhurandhar follows an undercover Indian operative tasked with dismantling the infamous Lyari gangs. The film blends espionage, action and political intrigue, with Ranveer Singh delivering a high-intensity performance. The star-studded cast also includes Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R. Madhavan, each adding weight to the film’s dramatic narrative.
Market observers believe the film’s theme—based on real incidents—combined with its ensemble cast and slick direction has struck a chord with urban multiplex audiences, particularly in Mumbai where late-night occupancy has been unexpectedly strong.
Outlook for the coming weekend
Trade analysts predict that if the momentum holds through Saturday and Sunday, Dhurandhar may cross the ₹75 crore mark within its first weekend. With additional shows now running through the night, the film is expected to post one of the strongest three-day totals for a Hindi release this year.
For Ranveer Singh, whose last few releases delivered mixed results, Dhurandhar marks a significant comeback at the box office. The film’s performance is also being closely watched as a potential trendsetter for year-end releases, especially in a market where early-morning screenings are typically reserved for festival weekends or mega franchises.
As Dhurandhar continues to surprise both trade and audience alike, Mumbai theatres remain packed—day and night—setting the stage for what could be one of the year’s biggest commercial successes.