The upcoming action drama Dhurandhar: The Revenge is currently the only major film being tracked by industry analysts ahead of its release.
According to early projections, the film could record a massive opening day at the Indian box office, potentially touching ₹85–105 crore nett including paid previews, with a pinpoint forecast of around ₹95 crore.
Paid Previews Already Off to a Strong Start
The makers have scheduled paid previews one day before the official release, and advance bookings have already opened across several cities.
Early estimates suggest the preview shows have grossed more than ₹10 crore nett in advance sales so far. Trade insiders expect the previews to collect around ₹25–30 crore nett before the film officially opens in theatres.
While this is considered an impressive start, it could slightly reduce the official opening-day collections because part of the demand will be absorbed during the preview shows.
Opening Day Forecast Without Previews
If preview earnings are counted separately—following traditional industry practice—the opening-day numbers could fall slightly lower.
Trade projections currently estimate the film’s first-day earnings between ₹60 crore and ₹75 crore nett, with a pinpoint prediction of around ₹65 crore nett.
First Day Forecast (Without Previews)
| Release Date | Film | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Pinpoint Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 March 2026 | Dhurandhar: The Revenge | ₹60 crore | ₹75 crore | ₹65 crore |
Holiday Factor and Release Timing
Initially, Eid al-Fitr was expected to fall on March 19, which would have given the film a nationwide holiday release.
However, Eid is now likely to be observed on March 21, meaning the film will open mid-week in several northern states without a public holiday. Some regions such as Maharashtra and parts of South India will still observe a restricted holiday.
This shift in the calendar has slightly reduced the projected opening-day numbers.
Premium Ticket Pricing Introduced
Another factor influencing box-office projections is the film’s unusually long runtime, reportedly close to four hours.
Because of the extended duration, theatres plan to introduce a new premium pricing category called “Super Blockbuster Plus Rates.”
Traditionally, big-budget releases use “Blockbuster Rates” or “Super Blockbuster Rates,” which are typically 10–25 percent higher than standard ticket prices. The newly introduced category may push prices even higher, potentially increasing overall revenue despite fewer daily shows.
No Competition on Release
Interestingly, no major film is currently scheduled to release on Good Friday weekend around April 3, 2026, leaving Dhurandhar: The Revenge with minimal competition in the weeks following its release.
This could allow the film to maintain strong momentum if audience response turns positive.
