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Anticipation Builds for "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" as Advance Bookings Surge

3/15/2026, 1:10:44 PM

Major Advance Bookings Signal Strong Opening

Ranveer Singh's upcoming spy thriller, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, is generating significant buzz ahead of its theatrical release on March 19, 2026, with paid previews starting on March 18. The film has already crossed INR60 crore in worldwide advance ticket sales, driven by robust demand in both domestic and international markets. In India alone, over 5.38 lakh tickets have been sold for preview shows, contributing approximately INR27.13 crore to domestic premiere bookings, which could rise to about INR31.9 crore when including blocked seats.

Box Office Projections and Market Performance

Industry analysts predict that the film could achieve a INR200 crore worldwide opening day, including previews, placing it among the biggest Bollywood openings of 2026. The premiere shows in India are expected to generate around INR35 crore, marking one of the largest preview openings in recent history. Cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru are experiencing high occupancy levels, with Mumbai reporting nearly 50% of available tickets sold, Hyderabad nearing 75%, and Bengaluru exceeding 60% occupancy in advance bookings.

Cast and Crew

Dhurandhar: The Revenge is directed by Aditya Dhar, known for the successful war drama Uri: The Surgical Strike. The film continues the story of Jaskirat Singh Rangi, portrayed by Ranveer Singh, who operates undercover in Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood under the alias Hamza Ali Mazari. The ensemble cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, with Rampal playing the antagonist, ISI Major Iqbal. The film's narrative is driven by a revenge mission linked to personal loss, revisiting the legacy of gangster Rehman Dakait.

International Market Impact

The film's advance bookings are bolstered by strong international sales, particularly in North America, where it has outperformed early booking figures for other recent Bollywood releases. This suggests that Dhurandhar: The Revenge could become one of the biggest global openings for a Hindi film this year.

Official Statements & Responses

Industry experts are optimistic about the film's potential, citing the strong advance ticket sales as a clear indicator of audience anticipation. The success of the first installment, which grossed approximately INR1,430 crore worldwide, has set high expectations for this sequel.

Criticism & Opposition

While the excitement surrounding Dhurandhar: The Revenge is palpable, some critics express concerns about the sustainability of such high advance bookings and whether they will translate into long-term box office success. The reliance on star power and franchise momentum raises questions about the film's narrative depth and originality.

What's Next

As the release date approaches, the film is poised for a significant opening weekend, with exhibitors considering additional showings to accommodate demand. The anticipation surrounding Dhurandhar: The Revenge reflects the growing trend of blockbuster films in Bollywood, setting the stage for a competitive box office landscape in 2026.