Ranveer Singh’s much-anticipated spy action drama Dhurandhar is showing decent but cautious advance booking numbers as it approaches its December 5, 2025 theatrical release. As of 11 PM on December 2, 2025, the film has sold 40,000 tickets across top national chains PVR Inox and Cinepolis for opening day, with industry analysts suggesting the numbers need to accelerate significantly for a blockbuster opening. Director Aditya Dhar’s follow-up to the Uri success faces high expectations, but the pre-sales trajectory indicates cautious optimism rather than the explosive demand some predicted.
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Dhurandhar Advance Booking Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 (Thursday) |
| Tickets Sold (Top Chains) | 40,000+ (PVR, Inox, Cinepolis) |
| Total Pre-Sales Collection | ₹2.94 crore (with block seats) |
| Director | Aditya Dhar (Uri: The Surgical Strike) |
| Lead Actor | Ranveer Singh |
| Runtime | 3 hours 34 minutes |
| Certification | A (Adults Only) |
| Budget | Undisclosed (Rumored ₹250+ crore) |
Current Booking Numbers: What They Mean
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Dhurandhar has collected Rs 1.43 crore in all-India advance sales from 30,969 tickets across 2,597 shows, with the Hindi 2D version bringing in Rs 1.25 crore from 28,256 tickets, while IMAX 2D collected Rs 17.80 lakh from 2,713 tickets. Including block seats reserved by distributors and exhibitors, the gross collection rises to ₹2.94 crore.
While these numbers appear respectable, context matters. The film releases on a Thursday—typically a softer day than Friday openings—but still needs momentum building toward the crucial weekend. With approximately 1.25 lakh tickets projected as the final advance booking target, current sales represent roughly 32% of that goal with just days remaining.
For comparison, recent Bollywood successes like Tere Ishk Mein and other major releases posted stronger pre-sales at similar time intervals before their premieres. However, Thursday releases often see last-minute booking surges as weekend approaches, potentially boosting Dhurandhar’s numbers significantly.
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Regional Performance: Where Dhurandhar Is Winning
Bengaluru stands out as one of the best-performing cities with 14% occupancy and numerous shows filling quickly, while Hyderabad shows 11% occupancy with multiple IMAX shows heading toward full capacity. Premium format bookings in these South Indian metros suggest strong audience interest despite the film being primarily Hindi-language.
Top Performing Markets:
- Bengaluru: 14% occupancy, multiple “filling fast” shows
- Hyderabad: 11% occupancy, strong IMAX bookings
- Delhi NCR: 23+ shows approaching capacity
- Mumbai: Dozen shows nearly full, including premium formats
- Chennai: Impressive IMAX bookings despite being non-Hindi market
Slower Markets:
- Gujarat: 360+ shows but only 5% occupancy
- Rajasthan: 3% occupancy despite “filling fast” indicators
- Eastern states (West Bengal, Assam, Odisha): 2-4% occupancy
The geographic split reveals that South Indian audiences—perhaps drawn by the spy-thriller genre or Aditya Dhar’s directorial reputation—are showing stronger early enthusiasm than traditional Hindi-belt markets, which typically need word-of-mouth momentum.
Premium Format Driving Collections
One aspect catching attention is the high cost of premium seats, with the costliest ticket listed at Maison INOX, Jio World Plaza, BKC, Mumbai, priced at Rs 2,020. IMAX and premium large-format screens are commanding significantly higher prices, contributing disproportionately to gross collections despite selling fewer tickets than standard 2D shows.
This premium strategy indicates distributor confidence in the film’s technical merits. Dhurandhar’s 3 hour 34 minute runtime and espionage-thriller genre position it as an “experience” film that justifies premium pricing for audiences seeking immersive viewing. The IMAX gross of ₹17.80 lakh from just 2,713 tickets demonstrates how premium formats deliver higher per-ticket revenue.
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What’s Behind the A Certificate and 3.5 Hour Runtime?
Dhurandhar received an A (Adults Only) certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, becoming Ranveer Singh’s first adult-rated film. The certification signals intense violence, mature themes, and potentially strong language consistent with the spy thriller genre’s gritty realism.
The 3 hour 34 minute runtime makes Dhurandhar one of Bollywood’s longest recent releases, comparable to epic films like Kalki 2898 AD and Brahmastra. While the extended duration allows for complex storytelling befitting a geopolitical thriller, it creates exhibition challenges—fewer daily shows mean reduced earning potential compared to films with 2-2.5 hour runtimes.
Industry insiders speculate the film might be released in two parts, with a potential sequel arriving mid-2026, though producers haven’t confirmed this. The substantial runtime suggests Aditya Dhar prioritized narrative completeness over commercial considerations, banking on audience investment in the story.
The Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Beyond Ranveer Singh’s lead performance, Dhurandhar features an impressive ensemble:
Sanjay Dutt: Playing a pivotal role in the intelligence network Akshaye Khanna: Known for nuanced performances in thrillers R. Madhavan: Adding South Indian star power to the pan-India appeal Arjun Rampal: Returning to action cinema with a significant part Sara Arjun: Young talent opposite Ranveer, adding emotional stakes
This multi-generational cast targets diverse audience demographics while creating marketing opportunities across regions and fan bases.
Competition and Release Strategy
With no major films releasing on December 5, Dhurandhar could pull audiences to cinema halls and bring in massive numbers at the box office. The clear Thursday opening gives the film five days of minimal competition before Kapil Sharma’s Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon 2 arrives December 12.
However, December 25 brings formidable competition with Kartik Aaryan’s Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri and Agastya Nanda’s war film Ikkis, both targeting the lucrative Christmas holiday audience. Dhurandhar must build strong word-of-mouth in its opening weeks to sustain momentum through year-end competition.
Box Office Projections: Can Dhurandhar Deliver?
Industry trade analysts project opening day collections between ₹15-25 crore depending on how aggressively bookings accelerate. The film’s adult certification and Thursday release create challenges, but the spy-thriller genre’s recent success (Pathaan, Tiger 3) demonstrates audience appetite for this content.
Success factors:
- Strong word-of-mouth: Critical for sustaining multi-week theatrical runs
- Weekend surge: Saturday-Sunday collections must compensate for Thursday opening
- Premium format performance: IMAX and Dolby Atmos screens delivering higher revenue
- South Indian acceptance: Non-traditional markets showing early enthusiasm
The ₹250+ crore budget (if industry estimates prove accurate) requires the film to gross approximately ₹400-450 crore worldwide for profitability, placing immense pressure on opening week performance.
How to Book Dhurandhar Tickets
Ready to experience this spy thriller? Here’s your booking guide:
- Online Platforms: Use BookMyShow or Paytm Movies for advance tickets
- Theater Chains: Direct booking through PVR, Inox, Cinepolis apps
- Premium Formats: IMAX shows available in major metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad)
- Pricing: Standard shows ₹150-400, IMAX ₹500-2,020 depending on location
Check showtimes early as the extended runtime limits daily screenings, potentially creating sold-out situations despite moderate overall occupancy.
FAQs
Q: Why is Dhurandhar’s advance booking considered “decent” rather than “massive” for a Ranveer Singh film?
The 40,000 ticket sales in top national chains represent solid but not spectacular numbers compared to recent Bollywood blockbusters. Several factors contribute to this: the Thursday release date (typically softer than Friday openings), adult certification limiting family audiences, intimidating 3 hour 34 minute runtime, and competition from other entertainment options in early December. Additionally, Ranveer’s last theatrical release underperformed, creating some audience hesitancy. However, spy thrillers often build momentum through word-of-mouth rather than opening weekend explosions, and director Aditya Dhar’s Uri pedigree could drive strong post-release growth if critical reception proves positive.
Q: Should I watch Dhurandhar in IMAX or standard format, and is the premium pricing justified?
Given the spy-thriller genre with presumed action sequences, geopolitical drama, and Aditya Dhar’s technical filmmaking style (evident in Uri), IMAX or premium large formats will likely enhance the experience significantly. The ₹17.80 lakh IMAX collection from just 2,713 tickets suggests audiences willing to pay premium prices see value in the enhanced presentation. However, the 3.5 hour runtime is a critical consideration—IMAX seats for such extended periods can become uncomfortable. If you’re sensitive to long runtimes, standard formats might be more practical. The ₹2,020 tickets at luxury venues like Maison INOX include premium amenities beyond just screen size, justifying costs for viewers seeking complete experiences. For budget-conscious viewers, standard 2D shows deliver the core story at fraction of the cost.
