The highly anticipated film "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" will offer paid preview screenings starting March 18, one day ahead of its official theatrical release. This strategic move aims to build early momentum and capitalize on the immense buzz surrounding the Ranveer Singh-starrer. The movie is scheduled for a grand nationwide release on March 19, coinciding with the Eid festive period, a time often associated with major box office successes.[timesofindia+2]
Early Access Strategy Unfolds
Filmmakers decided to hold paid previews on March 18, allowing eager audiences to watch the action-thriller before its widespread debut. These special screenings will take place across major Indian metro cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Advance bookings for these previews have already opened on leading ticketing platforms like BookMyShow, indicating strong early demand.[indianexpress+3]
The preview shows are strategically scheduled for evening and late-night slots to maximize viewership. In Mumbai, the first paid preview is expected to begin around 4:45 PM, with the last show running close to 11:45 PM. Delhi will follow a similar schedule, starting around 5 PM and concluding near 11:55 PM. Other major cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are also offering multiple showtimes, while Kolkata will have a more limited number of screenings.[indianexpress]
Ticket prices for these early screenings reflect the premium experience, varying depending on the city and specific theatre. Standard seats are generally priced between approximately Rs 290 and Rs 350, while premium recliner seats in some multiplexes can go up to Rs 1,400 or more. In certain exclusive screenings across metro cities, ticket prices have even exceeded Rs 2,000, underscoring the film's high demand.[indianexpress]
Industry experts view the paid preview strategy as a shrewd move to generate strong word-of-mouth and significantly boost the film's opening day collections. A source close to the production, who preferred to remain unnamed, stated, "This approach helps us gauge audience reaction early and build positive buzz, which is crucial for a big-ticket release like Dhurandhar 2." The film's lengthy duration, reportedly close to four hours, influenced this decision, as previews can accommodate more shows and spread out the initial audience rush. This strategy has proven successful for other films, including "Stree 2," which benefited immensely from its paid previews.[pinkvilla+2]
Box Office Expectations Soar
Initial predictions suggest "Dhurandhar 2" could achieve substantial numbers from its paid previews alone. Analysts expect the film to comfortably surpass the 15 crore net mark, with some aggressive forecasts even reaching 20 to 25 crore net from these early screenings. This robust start is considered crucial for setting a strong precedent for the film's overall box office performance and signaling its widespread appeal. For comparison, Pawan Kalyan's "OG" currently holds the record for the highest-ever paid preview collections in Indian cinema, amassing a massive 21 crore net. "Dhurandhar 2" aims to challenge this record.[koimoi+3]
The film is enjoying immense hype, further fueled by its recent trailer release, which garnered an impressive 14.7 million views on YouTube within just seven hours of its debut, alongside over 601,000 likes. This phenomenal response on digital platforms highlights the widespread anticipation among fans. Renowned film trade analyst Taran Adarsh reported on social media that "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" was selling a staggering 7,500 tickets per hour for paid previews on BookMyShow shortly after bookings commenced, demonstrating exceptional early demand.[koimoi+2]
"Dhurandhar 2" will also benefit significantly from a solo release on March 19. The postponement of another major film, "Toxic," starring Yash, cleared the path for "Dhurandhar 2" to have a wide release across the nation without direct competition. This solo window significantly enhances the film's potential for a massive opening day, with some industry watchers speculating a 100 crore net opening for Bollywood, a milestone that would be historic. "A solo release during a festive period like Eid is a golden opportunity," said a film distributor who wished to remain anonymous. "It allows the film to capture maximum screen count and audience attention, setting it up for a truly blockbuster opening."[koimoi+3]
A Highly Anticipated Sequel
"Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" continues the gripping narrative from the blockbuster "Dhurandhar," which was released in December 2025 and quickly became one of the most successful and talked-about films of the year. The original film dominated both box office charts and online discussions, establishing a strong foundation for its sequel.[timesofindia+3]
The sequel sees Ranveer Singh return in a pivotal role as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, who has now fully embraced the identity of Hamza Ali Mazari and risen as a powerful gang leader in Karachi's turbulent Lyari neighborhood, becoming "Lyari ka Badshah". The film's ensemble cast features a strong lineup, with Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi all reprising their roles. Akshaye Khanna's character, Rehman Dakait, who was a scene-stealer in the first film, died at the end of the predecessor, leaving fans curious if he will appear in flashbacks in the sequel.[livemint+6]
Aditya Dhar, who masterfully directed and produced the original hit, returns to helm "Dhurandhar 2." He also serves as a producer alongside Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, with the film produced under the esteemed banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The first film was widely praised for its intricate storyline, which cleverly disguised a layered spy saga as a gritty gangster drama, and its powerful performances.[koimoi+3]
The sequel promises to deliver an even bigger and more intense cinematic experience, featuring high-octane action, dramatic moments, and a powerful continuation of the "Dhurandhar" universe. The film will be released in five languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, aiming to reach a broader audience across India and tap into diverse regional markets. This extensive multi-language release strategy, combined with the strategic early paid previews and the immense pre-release buzz, positions "Dhurandhar 2" for a potentially historic and record-breaking run at the box office.[timesofindia+3]
As anticipation reaches a fever pitch, "Dhurandhar 2" is poised to make a significant impact with its early paid previews, setting the stage for a monumental theatrical debut.
