Dhurandhar 2 vs Toxic: Raja Saab (Hindi) Becomes Bakra?

Prabhas’ The Raja Saab is releasing tomorrow, but advance bookings in the Hindi belt are still not fully open, especially in national multiplex chains. With only a few hours left for release, this delay has raised serious concerns among trade circles and fans.

According to trade sources quoted by Bollywood Hungama, only single screens and smaller theatre chains have started bookings. Big national chains, along with Miraj and Maxus cinemas, are holding back due to a business dispute. The film’s Hindi distributor AA Films is reportedly asking major chains to commit a significant number of screens to Toxic, starring Yash, which is scheduled to release on March 19. Only then would the chains get access to The Raja Saab.

However, theatre owners are unwilling to agree. Toxic is set to clash with Dhurandhar 2, the sequel to a film that is still earning strongly in cinemas. Exhibitors expect Dhurandhar 2 to open big and do not want to compromise its screen count in advance. While they acknowledge Toxic’s potential as a crowd puller, they are not ready to lock into any deal now. This deadlock has stalled bookings.

Trade analyst Rohit Jaiswal has painted a bleak picture, calling The Raja Saab’s Hindi advances shockingly poor. He has predicted an opening as low as Rs. 3 crores in Hindi unless a last minute miracle occurs.

In contrast, the Telangana government has not yet issued the official Government Order for ticket price hikes and benefit shows. Since premiere and benefit shows are planned for tonight, the delay has created panic among fans. However, sources say the government is deliberately planning to release the order only after court working hours end, around 5.30 pm. This move prevents last minute legal petitions that could stall bookings.

Once the order is issued, theatre owners are expected to immediately update booking portals like BookMyShow. Reliable information suggests that full advance bookings in Telangana may open between 5.30 and 6.00 pm today. Benefit shows, including midnight and early morning screenings, have already been cleared in Andhra Pradesh.

This clearly indicates a split scenario. While the Hindi version faces booking struggles, the Telugu version in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh still has the potential for a strong opening once bookings open fully.