Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna’s high‑octane spy thriller Dhurandhar is showing a clear slowdown at the box office as it approaches its 48th day of theatrical run, just days before the much‑anticipated release of Border 2. The film, which has managed to stay above the Rs 1 crore mark for almost 50 days, earned an estimated Rs 1.15 crore on Wednesday, marking its lowest collection to date.
Background / Context
Released on 5 December 2025, Dhurandhar has been a steady performer, drawing audiences with its blend of espionage, action and star power. The film’s first week saw a staggering Rs 207.25 crore, followed by a dip to Rs 106.5 crore in the fourth week, yet it has continued to rack up revenue, crossing the Rs 995 crore mark in India and Rs 1,288.9 crore worldwide. As the film enters its seventh week, the trend of diminishing returns is becoming evident, a common pattern for blockbusters that have exhausted their initial hype.
Industry analysts note that the film’s performance is now being measured against the upcoming release of Border 2, slated for Friday, 27 January 2026. The new entry is expected to draw a large patriotic audience, potentially diverting footfall from Dhurandhar and other mid‑week releases.
Key Developments
According to early estimates by Sacnilk, Dhurandhar earned Rs 1.75 crore on Friday of week 7, followed by Rs 3 crore on Saturday and Rs 3.75 crore on Sunday, bringing the week’s total to Rs 12.7 crore. The weekday dip to the Rs 1 crore range is a clear indicator of the film’s waning momentum.
- Week‑wise collections: Week 1 – Rs 207.25 crore; Week 2 – Rs 253.25 crore; Week 3 – Rs 172 crore; Week 4 – Rs 106.5 crore; Week 5 – Rs 51.25 crore; Week 6 – Rs 26.35 crore; Week 7 – Rs 12.7 crore.
- Net total collection: Rs 829.4 crore.
- India gross: Rs 995 crore.
- Worldwide haul: Rs 1,288.9 crore.
“The film has performed remarkably well, especially considering the competitive landscape,” says Priyanka Sharma, a senior box‑office analyst at BoxOffice Insights. “However, the current dip is a natural part of the lifecycle. The real test will be how it holds up against Border 2 and other releases in the coming weeks.”
In addition to the domestic slowdown, international markets have shown no signs of improvement, with overseas collections plateauing at Rs 300 crore. The film’s overseas performance has been modest compared to its domestic success, a trend that is common for Indian spy thrillers that rely heavily on local cultural references.
Impact Analysis
For film students and aspiring filmmakers, Dhurandhar offers a case study in sustaining audience interest over an extended theatrical run. The film’s ability to maintain a Rs 1 crore daily collection for 48 days demonstrates effective word‑of‑mouth marketing and a strong franchise potential.
However, the slowdown also highlights the importance of timing and competition. With Border 2 releasing on a Friday, the weekend audience is likely to shift, affecting Dhurandhar’s weekend earnings. This scenario underscores the need for strategic release windows, especially for films that rely on sustained box‑office performance.
For students studying film distribution, the data suggests that a film’s longevity is not solely dependent on star power or genre but also on the ability to adapt marketing strategies as the release progresses. The dip in weekday collections indicates that audiences may be moving on to newer releases, a trend that can be mitigated by targeted promotions or special screenings.
Expert Insights / Tips
Box‑office strategist Arjun Mehta advises producers to consider the following tactics to counteract mid‑run slowdowns:
- Dynamic Pricing: Adjust ticket prices based on demand, offering discounts for weekday showings to boost footfall.
- Cross‑Promotion: Partner with streaming platforms for exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content to keep the film in public discourse.
- Localized Marketing: Tailor promotional material to regional audiences, especially in markets where the film’s overseas performance is lagging.
- Event Screenings: Organize fan events, Q&A sessions with the cast, or themed screenings to rekindle interest.
- Social Media Campaigns: Leverage user‑generated content and influencer collaborations to maintain engagement.
“The key is to keep the conversation alive,” says Mehta. “Even a modest increase in weekday collections can significantly boost the overall gross, especially when a big release like Border 2 is on the horizon.”
For students, these strategies illustrate the intersection of creative content and business acumen. Understanding how to pivot marketing efforts in response to real‑time box‑office data is a critical skill for future filmmakers and producers.
Looking Ahead
As Dhurandhar enters its final weeks, the film’s performance will be closely monitored against the backdrop of Border 2’s release. If Dhurandhar can maintain a steady Rs 1 crore daily collection, it may still secure a respectable total gross, potentially surpassing the Rs 1,300 crore mark worldwide.
Industry insiders predict that Border 2 will attract a large patriotic audience, especially on its opening weekend. This could lead to a temporary dip in Dhurandhar’s weekend earnings, but the film’s established fan base may cushion the impact.
Looking beyond the immediate competition, the spy thriller genre is poised for a resurgence, with audiences showing a growing appetite for high‑concept narratives. Dhurandhar’s success, despite the slowdown, demonstrates that a well‑executed spy film can sustain long‑term interest, provided it is supported by robust marketing and strategic release planning.
For students and industry professionals alike, the upcoming weeks will serve as a real‑time laboratory for studying audience behavior, competitive dynamics, and the efficacy of adaptive marketing strategies in the Indian film market.
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