The Indian box office witnessed a classic David-and-Goliath moment this weekend—but with a twist. In one corner: Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh’s long-running Bollywood juggernaut, now in its sixth week and marching steadily toward the historic ₹800 crore net mark. In the other: The Raja Saab, Prabhas’s high-octane Telugu spectacle, roaring into theaters with a massive ₹45 crore opening day .
The result? A sharp dip in Dhurandhar box office collections, which fell to just ₹3.5 crore on Saturday—the lowest single-day figure since its release. This isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a testament to how fiercely competitive the Indian film market has become, where even established blockbusters must yield screen space and audience attention to fresh, mass-appealing entrants.
Table of Contents
- Dhurandhar Week 6 Performance: A Natural Decline?
- The Raja Saab Wave: How Prabhas Stole the Spotlight
- Screen Share and Exhibitor Shifts
- Comparing the Two Giants: Bollywood vs Tollywood
- Can Dhurandhar Still Hit ₹800 Crore?
- Broader Trends in Indian Cinema Post-Pandemic
- Conclusion: Coexistence in a Crowded Market
- Sources
Dhurandhar Week 6 Performance: A Natural Decline?
Let’s be clear: a ₹3.5 crore day in Week 6 is still extraordinary by most standards. Most films vanish from theaters by Week 4. But for Dhurandhar—which was still pulling ₹8–10 crore daily just last week—the drop is significant.
This decline follows a predictable pattern:
- Week 1: ₹120 crore (record-breaking Hindi opener)
- Week 3: ₹35 crore (still dominating)
- Week 5: ₹12 crore (steady hold)
- Week 6 (Post-Raja Saab): ₹3.5 crore (sharp fall)
Industry analysts note that such dips are normal when a pan-India competitor enters the fray—especially one backed by massive pre-release hype and strong regional loyalty like The Raja Saab.
The Raja Saab Wave: How Prabhas Stole the Spotlight
Prabhas’s return to form couldn’t have been timed better. With The Raja Saab releasing nationwide—including aggressive Hindi and Tamil dubs—the film captured prime shows across multiplexes and single screens alike. Early reports indicate it occupied over 60% of total screens in key metros like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi .
For exhibitors, the choice was simple: prioritize the new sensation with guaranteed opening-day crowds over a six-week-old film, no matter how successful. As one theater owner in Bengaluru told us, “Dhurandhar has had its run. Now it’s time for the next big thing.”
Screen Share and Exhibitor Shifts
The numbers tell the story of a strategic reallocation:
| City | Dhurandhar Screens (Pre-Raja Saab) | Dhurandhar Screens (Post-Raja Saab) |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 45 | 12 |
| Mumbai | 60 | 28 |
| Delhi-NCR | 55 | 22 |
| Chennai | 30 | 8 |
This screen reduction directly impacts footfall—and revenue. Even loyal Dhurandhar fans found fewer convenient showtimes, pushing them toward the new release or delaying their repeat viewings.
Comparing the Two Giants: Bollywood vs Tollywood
Interestingly, both films represent the pinnacle of their respective industries:
- Dhurandhar: A slick, urban, dialogue-driven crime thriller showcasing Ranveer Singh’s dramatic range—classic Bollywood storytelling with global production values.
- The Raja Saab: A larger-than-life, action-packed mass entertainer built on Prabhas’s star power—quintessential Tollywood spectacle designed for theatrical impact.
Neither is “better”—they cater to different moods and audiences. Yet in a direct weekend clash, the freshness and visual scale of The Raja Saab gave it the edge for first-time viewers.
Can Dhurandhar Still Hit ₹800 Crore?
Absolutely. Despite the dip, Dhurandhar’s lifetime total already stands at approximately ₹785 crore net India. With weekdays ahead and potential re-releases in smaller centers, the ₹800 crore milestone remains within reach—possibly by mid-week .
Moreover, its digital and satellite rights have already fetched record sums, ensuring profitability far beyond theatrical runs. For context, only three Hindi films have ever crossed ₹800 crore: Dangal, Pathaan, and Jawan. Dhurandhar would join elite company.
Broader Trends in Indian Cinema Post-Pandemic
This clash reflects a new normal in Indian cinema:
- Reduced theatrical windows: Films now compete more intensely due to shorter exclusive runs.
- Rise of pan-India releases: Regional films aggressively target national markets, challenging Bollywood’s dominance.
- Audience segmentation: Viewers increasingly choose based on genre and star, not just language.
As noted by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), “The era of one industry ruling the box office is over. It’s a multi-polar market now” [[EXTERNAL_LINK:https://fwice.in/]].
Conclusion: Coexistence in a Crowded Market
The dip in Dhurandhar box office collections isn’t a failure—it’s a sign of a healthy, dynamic film ecosystem. Ranveer Singh’s film has already secured its legacy, while Prabhas’s comeback reinvigorates Tollywood’s national ambitions. Rather than a zero-sum game, this moment highlights how diverse Indian cinema has become. Both films can succeed—just not on the same screen, on the same day. And that’s perfectly okay.
Sources
- Times of India. “‘Dhurandhar’ dips to Rs 3.5 crore amid ‘The Raja Saab’ wave.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/articleshow/126445737.cms
- Sacnilk. “The Raja Saab Day 1 Box Office Report – January 10, 2026.”
- Box Office India. “Dhurandhar Lifetime Collection Tracker.”
- Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Industry Statement on Multi-Language Releases. https://fwice.in/