Single Screens Favor Ustaad: Big Blow for Dhurandhar 2?

The buzz around Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has been massive ever since its trailer and advance bookings opened. The spy action sequel starring Ranveer Singh is riding on huge expectations, and the advance sales have been nothing short of sensational. According to early trade estimates, more than 4 lakh tickets have already been sold for paid premieres and opening day, reflecting the extraordinary hype around the film.

However, the theatrical situation in the Telugu states appears to be slightly complicated. The reason is the simultaneous release of Pawan Kalyan’s Ustaad Bhagat Singh. Both films are scheduled to arrive on March 19, which has created a war kind of scene in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The Dhurandhar 2 team has reportedly demanded exhibitors to allocate at least two shows per day for a week across several centers. Under normal circumstances, this request might have been easily accommodated. But with a major star hero film Ustaad Bhagat Singh releasing simultaneously, exhibitors now face a difficult decision regarding screen allocation.

Many single-screen theatre owners in the Telugu states are believed to be leaning towards Ustaad Bhagat Singh. The local market dynamics and the massive fan following of Pawan Kalyan in Telugu states play a major role in this preference. Because of this, Dhurandhar 2 could end up getting fewer single screens in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana if the exhibitors give preference to the Pawan Kalyan film.

While this may slightly limit the reach of Dhurandhar 2 in certain areas of the two states, trade experts believe the overall impact might not be very big. The business from the multiplexes is enough for Dhurandhar to make a killing at the box office. The film already has strong buzz all over and impressive advance bookings in several markets including Nizam.