Shares of PVR Inox, India's largest multiplex chain, experienced a surge of 7% on Monday, December 15, 2025, following the smashing box office success of "Dhurandhar," starring Ranveer Singh. The film has not only captivated audiences but has also injected a fresh wave of optimism into the entertainment industry.
Box Office Phenomenon
"Dhurandhar," directed by Aditya Dhar, has emerged as a de facto success, setting new benchmarks and breaking records. As of December 14, 2025, the film has grossed ₹434.05 crore (US$51 million) domestically and ₹111.55 crore (US$13 million) overseas, accumulating a worldwide gross of ₹545.60 crore (US$65 million). In just 10 days, "Dhurandhar" earned ₹351 crore at the Indian box office, with a record-breaking ₹144 crore haul during its second weekend, surpassing "Pushpa 2: The Rule". Trade analyst Sumit Kadel called the film's performance "HISTORY at the Box Office".
The film's success is particularly noteworthy considering its 214-minute runtime, one of the longest among Indian films. Despite this, "Dhurandhar" has resonated strongly with audiences, driven by positive word-of-mouth and stellar performances from the ensemble cast, particularly Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
"Dhurandhar" has garnered mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, who have lauded the cast performances, Aditya Dhar's direction, cinematography, production values, action sequences, music, and world-building. While some critics pointed out pacing issues, the overall response has been enthusiastic.
Gautam Dutta, CEO–Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd., noted the sustained occupancy throughout the week following the film's release. The company added early morning and late-night shows to meet the high demand, reflecting the warm and spirited mood in cinemas.
Impact on PVR Inox
The strong performance of "Dhurandhar" has had a direct and positive impact on PVR Inox. The surge in share prices reflects renewed investor confidence in the company's prospects. PVR Inox has been capitalizing on the film's momentum, reporting sustained occupancy rates. The success of "Dhurandhar" is expected to boost the company's revenue and profitability in the coming quarters.
PVR Inox operates a vast cinema network across India, earning revenue primarily from movie ticket sales. The company has demonstrated growth in the first half of FY '26, driven by a diverse film slate and a 15% year-on-year increase in the Indian box office, especially in regional markets. The company achieved its highest quarterly revenue and EBITDA in two years, supported by a capital-light growth strategy and a surge in advertising revenue.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of "Dhurandhar," a sequel, "Dhurandhar: Part 2 – Revenge," is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026. The positive reception and box office numbers for "Dhurandhar" have raised expectations for the sequel, further solidifying the franchise's potential. The film's performance has boosted the overall sentiment in the industry, which had been facing challenges due to the underperformance of some key film releases and fluctuations in average spend per head. "Dhurandhar's" blockbuster run is reshaping box office calculations, offering a much-needed commercial uplift and demonstrating the power of strong content to draw audiences back to theaters.
