04 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Ranveer Singh’s much-anticipated action entertainer ‘Dhurandhar’ is set to hit theatres this Friday, and the early signs from its Day 1 advance booking indicate an average but steady start. While the film carries strong star power and a sizable promotional push, the advance turnout has so far been moderate, suggesting that walk-in audiences and word-of-mouth may play a major role in shaping its opening day earnings.

A Film Riding on Ranveer Singh’s Star Power

‘Dhurandhar’ marks Ranveer Singh’s return to the big screen after a gap, and the film has generated curiosity due to its intense action sequences, stylish presentation, and Ranveer’s gritty characterisation. Despite the buzz, the early booking numbers show that audiences are adopting a wait-and-watch approach. Industry observers believe mixed recent performances of commercial films and shifting audience preferences are influencing pre-release trends.

Advance Booking Status Across Major Cities

According to trade trackers, the film has achieved a moderate occupancy from its advance sales.

• Mumbai and Delhi NCR have shown respectable booking momentum, though not exceptional.
• Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have reported modest early sales.
• Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Jaipur remain on the slower side, though single screens may see a rise closer to release day.

The overall trend indicates that multiplex audiences are curious, but not rushing in immediately—typical of films that rely heavily on weekend buzz.

Factors Behind the “Average” Response

Trade analysts highlight several reasons for the middling advance numbers:

1. Genre Appeal

‘Dhurandhar’ is a stylized action-drama—a genre that usually gains momentum after audience reactions rather than purely on pre-sales.

2. Competition at the Box Office

A couple of mid-budget films and holdover releases are still performing decently, leading to distributed footfall.

3. Economic Conditions & Ticket Prices

High ticket rates in metro multiplexes remain a barrier for immediate advance bookings, pushing many fans to opt for release-day decisions.

4. Marketing Strategy

While Ranveer’s promotional tour has generated buzz, the film’s songs and trailers have received a mixed response, which may have impacted urgency in pre-booking.

Single Screens vs Multiplexes

Single screens, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, are expected to see stronger footfall on the day of release, driven by Ranveer’s mass appeal. Early estimates suggest that mass circuits could help balance the moderate multiplex numbers and potentially push the film toward a solid opening.

Multiplexes, on the other hand, may require strong reviews and positive public reactions during the first few shows to trigger a significant jump.

Industry Expectations for Opening Day

Despite the average advance bookings, trade analysts are optimistic about the film’s opening day revenue potential. With Ranveer’s pull, strong action elements, and the high-energy narrative, the film is projected to open in a double-digit range, although final numbers will depend heavily on same-day spot bookings.

If the film garners favorable word-of-mouth on Friday, it may see a sharp rise in occupancy from evening shows onward.

Audience Sentiment Before Release

On social media, fans have shown excitement for Ranveer Singh’s new avatar, praising the film’s teaser, dramatic dialogues, and fight choreography. However, some viewers have expressed that they are waiting for early reviews before booking.

This split sentiment often leads to late surges, especially for star-driven films.

What Can Boost Box Office Performance?

Analysts predict several factors that could elevate ‘Dhurandhar’s performance over the weekend:

• Strong critic reviews, especially praising the storyline and Ranveer’s performance
• Positive public feedback from first-day first-show audiences
• High-energy action scenes, which could attract mass audiences
• Family crowd turnout during the weekend
• Increasing footfall in Tier-2/Tier-3 centers, where mass entertainers usually thrive

If the film succeeds on these fronts, it can convert a moderate start into a successful weekend.

The Road Ahead for ‘Dhurandhar’

With just a day left for release, the film still has room for momentum. Many blockbusters in recent years have opened with average advance collections but soared due to excellent audience reaction. Ranveer Singh’s strong screen presence and the film’s dramatic styling may help ‘Dhurandhar’ gather pace once shows begin running across the country.

For now, the industry is watching closely to see how the opening day unfolds, as the film’s response will determine its long-term box office trajectory.

SUMMARY

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ records an average Day 1 advance booking response. While metros show steady interest, the film’s box office success will depend on walk-ins, word-of-mouth, and mass-market turnout.