The much-anticipated action thriller Dhurandhar 2 has begun its box office journey on a powerful note—but not without controversy. Despite a strong opening collection of ₹43 crore on its paid preview day (March 18), the film faced a major technical setback that disrupted screenings across the country.
🎬 500 Theatres Affected by KDM Delay
A significant number of shows were reportedly cancelled due to a delay in the delivery of KDM (Key Delivery Message), a crucial digital key required to unlock and screen films in theatres. Without this encrypted file, cinema operators are unable to play the film, regardless of scheduled show timings.
Prominent Mumbai exhibitor Manoj Desai, who operates iconic theatres like Gaiety Galaxy and Maratha Mandir, openly criticised the makers for the lapse. He revealed that multiple shows at his own cinemas had to be cancelled due to the delay.
According to Desai, the issue wasn’t limited to a few locations. He claimed that nearly 500 theatres across India were impacted, leading to widespread disruption on release day.
🎤 Manoj Desai Reacts
Speaking about the situation, Desai expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the production team. He noted that the KDM was delivered nearly two hours after scheduled showtimes, causing inconvenience for both exhibitors and audiences.
He further emphasised that theatre owners have no control in such situations, as films cannot be screened without valid KDM access.
📉 Massive Show Cancellations Reported
Industry reports suggest that over 20,000 show cancellations occurred across leading multiplex chains due to the delay. The technical glitch created chaos during the initial hours of release, especially considering the film’s high anticipation.
📈 Strong Box Office Despite Chaos
Interestingly, the disruption did little to dent the film’s momentum. Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh, managed to rake in an impressive ₹43 crore on its preview day alone.
Trade analysts believe the film is poised for record-breaking numbers, especially with festive demand during Gudi Padwa boosting occupancy. Several shows have already been reported as housefull across major cities.
🎥 About the Film
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge is a sequel to the 2025 release Dhurandhar Part 1. The film also features Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and others in key roles.
With a runtime of 3 hours 49 minutes, the film has received an ‘A’ certification from the CBFC.
⚡ IndyaStory Insight
While the KDM delay exposed operational gaps in film distribution, the strong box office performance highlights the film’s massive pull among audiences. The coming days will determine whether Dhurandhar 2 can sustain its momentum and truly achieve blockbuster status.
