Bollywood’s box office is facing a crucial test as advance bookings for Ranveer Singh’s highly anticipated action thriller Dhurandhar reveal a complex picture: premium ticket prices soaring above ₹2,000 coupled with initial sales that are significantly lower than the star’s previous release.

The film, directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri: The Surgical Strike fame, is scheduled for a nationwide release on December 5. As of December 1, Dhurandhar has sold approximately 9,110 tickets for its opening day from over 2,250 shows booked across the country. These sales have generated an estimated ₹45.17 lakh in gross revenue, a figure that jumps to nearly ₹2 crore when accounting for blocked seats and premium pricing.

The most eye-catching detail is the ticket price at Mumbai’s Maison INOX in BKC, where a single admission is listed at ₹2,020, including convenience fees. Industry reports note this price does not include any food or beverage packages.

High-Stakes Comeback with Premium Pricing

Dhurandhar marks Ranveer Singh's return to the big screen after a gap of two and a half years, his last release being the hit Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in mid-2023. The new film is a large-scale espionage thriller, reportedly based on true events, following an Indian intelligence operative who infiltrates the criminal underworld in Karachi, Pakistan.

The ensemble cast includes major names like Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. Adding to its substantial scale, the film boasts a marathon runtime of 3 hours and 32 minutes, making it one of the longest mainstream Bollywood productions in recent years and the longest of Singh's career.

Industry observers suggest the premium ticket prices, particularly for IMAX and premium large-format screens, are a strategic move to maximize revenue from a core audience of enthusiasts and fans willing to pay for a high-end experience. This strategy reflects a broader trend in the industry as it seeks to boost average ticket values post-pandemic.

Regional Performance and Comparative Analysis

A state-wise breakdown of advance sales shows strong but uneven uptake. Delhi NCR leads in revenue generation, contributing approximately ₹47.22 lakh from 295 shows. Maharashtra follows closely, driven by major metropolitan centers like Mumbai. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Punjab round out the top five markets.

State-wise Advance Booking Performance for Dhurandhar

As of December 1, the advance booking performance for Dhurandhar indicates strong nationwide anticipation, with Maharashtra leading in gross collections at approximately ₹48.34 lakh across 489 shows, showcasing the region’s robust theatre turnout and audience interest. Close behind is Delhi NCR, registering ₹47.22 lakh from 295 shows, highlighting a high per-show traction and significant urban engagement.

Gujarat follows with ₹14.98 lakh across 291 shows, suggesting steady regional support despite comparatively moderate earnings. Karnataka secured ₹13.29 lakh over 165 shows, reflecting solid pre-release curiosity in the South.

Meanwhile, Punjab contributed ₹9.45 lakh from 132 shows, marking a respectable performance in the northern belt. Overall, the data suggests that Dhurandhar is witnessing strong pre-release momentum, particularly in core urban and western territories, setting promising expectations for its box office debut.

Despite the high gross, a key metric reveals a challenge. The current advance sales represent only about 11% of the opening day pre-sales for Singh’s last film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which had garnered nearly ₹4 crore in gross pre-sales. This gap underscores the heightened scrutiny on whether the film can build rapid momentum in its final four days of pre-sales.

Industry Expectations and Market Context

The film industry is watching Dhurandhar closely as a barometer for star-driven, big-budget theatrical releases. Trade analysts note that while the start is decent, the film needs to show significant organic growth in daily ticket sales to justify its scale and cost. Initial projections based on current trends suggest an opening day net collection in the range of ₹15 crore, but this is heavily dependent on a last-minute surge.

Factors that may influence the final push include word-of-mouth from early screenings, the impact of the film’s final marketing campaign, and the general audience reception to its lengthy runtime and intense, espionage-driven subject matter. The film’s ‘A’ certification and reported intense violence also define its target audience as primarily adult.

Looking Ahead to Release and Beyond

All eyes are now on the final pre-release days to see if *Dhurandhar* can convert widespread awareness into robust ticket sales. The performance will be a critical indicator of Ranveer Singh's current box office pull and the market for ambitious, long-format action thrillers.

The outcome will also offer insights into the effectiveness of premium pricing strategies for event films. A strong opening weekend is considered crucial for the film to sustain its theatrical run and build momentum for its rumored second part, which reports suggest is already planned for 2026. The ultimate verdict, however, will come from the general public when the film opens on December 5.