The Indian box office has been set ablaze by the unprecedented craze for Ranveer Singh’s latest blockbuster, ‘Dhurandhar 2,’ which has achieved a feat rarely seen in the history of domestic cinema. Due to an overwhelming surge in ticket demand and back-to-back sold-out shows, theater owners across the country have been forced to implement 24-hour screenings to accommodate the massive crowds. This cinematic frenzy has reached a symbolic peak at Mumbai’s legendary Maratha Mandir cinema, where the film’s dominance has resulted in a historic change. For the first time in decades, the cult classic ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ), which has held an uninterrupted matinee spot since 1995, has been pushed out of its regular timing to make room for the high-octane action of ‘Dhurandhar 2.’ This move underscores the sheer commercial gravity of Singh’s latest outing, as even the longest-running film in Indian history had to yield its territory to the new-age superstar’s box office juggernaut.
Trade analysts are calling this the ‘Dhurandhar Wave,’ noting that the film’s high-energy sequences and Ranveer Singh’s electrifying performance have resonated deeply with both urban and rural audiences. The decision to run round-the-clock shows was born out of necessity, as fans were reportedly queuing up outside theaters as early as 3:00 AM, leading to chaotic scenes and black-market ticket sales. Theater managers have expressed that they have never seen such a sustained level of excitement for a non-holiday release, leading them to prioritize the current blockbuster to maximize revenue during its peak window. While purists and fans of Shah Rukh Khan’s DDLJ have expressed a bittersweet sentiment regarding the shift at Maratha Mandir, the management clarified that the iconic film has not been permanently removed but merely adjusted to accommodate the current demand, emphasizing that the ‘Dhurandhar 2’ phenomenon is a testament to the revival of the traditional big-screen theatrical experience.
The impact of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ extends beyond just ticket sales; it has revitalized the distribution sector, with many single-screen cinemas reporting their highest-ever single-day earnings. Industry insiders suggest that Ranveer Singh has cemented his position as a dependable mass entertainer, capable of drawing audiences regardless of the time of day. As the film continues to break records, the 24-hour show format is expected to be adopted by more multiplexes across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. For now, the sight of fans entering theaters at midnight or dawn has become the new normal, proving that when a film truly captures the public’s imagination, time ceases to be a barrier for the ultimate cinematic celebration.
