Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar continues to defy conventional box office logic, proving that strong content and sustained audience interest can outperform fresh releases even deep into a theatrical run. Entering its sixth week, the film was expected to slow down as new titles arrived in cinemas, but the reality turned out to be very different.
Despite the release of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos and Rahu Ketu on January 16, Dhurandhar managed to stay ahead, reinforcing its status as one of the most resilient box office performers in recent times. The film’s ability to maintain momentum this late into its run has sparked fresh conversations around its longevity and mass appeal.
Friday’s numbers once again underlined the film’s dominance, making it clear that Dhurandhar remains the primary choice for audiences. With trade analysts now suggesting that only a major tentpole like Border 2 could challenge its hold, the film’s box office journey continues to surprise and impress.
Dhurandhar Stays Strong in Its Sixth Week
Six weeks into its theatrical run, Dhurandhar has achieved what very few films manage to do: stay relevant despite competition. Typically, films see a sharp drop once new releases hit the screens, but Dhurandhar has bucked that trend with remarkable consistency.
The film’s sustained performance highlights its wide appeal across different audience segments. Whether it is repeat viewers or late adopters finally heading to theatres, Dhurandhar has successfully tapped into long-term interest rather than relying solely on opening-week hype.
This kind of box office behavior often points to strong word of mouth, something that has clearly worked in the film’s favor. Even as newer titles try to carve out space, Dhurandhar continues to command attention.
Day 43 Box Office Numbers Impress
On Day 43, Dhurandhar recorded earnings of Rs 1.65 crore, a notable achievement for a film this far into its run. While the numbers are understandably lower than its peak days, they remain impressive when viewed in the context of its release timeline.
At this stage, most films struggle to cross even modest figures, making Dhurandhar’s collections stand out. The film’s ability to outperform newer releases on the same day further reinforces its strong box office standing.
These figures also suggest that the film has found a stable base audience that continues to support it, regardless of new options entering the market.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos Faces Tough Competition
Vir Das’ Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos entered theatres with positive critical feedback and decent pre-release buzz. However, its opening day collection of Rs 1.25 crore placed it behind Dhurandhar, even though the latter is well into its sixth week.
The film registered a Hindi occupancy of around 9.57 percent, which is relatively modest considering the attention it received. Given its smaller budget and niche positioning, expectations were tempered, but the numbers still fell slightly short of optimistic projections.
That said, industry watchers believe that word of mouth could play a crucial role in the coming days. The presence of notable cameo appearances has also generated curiosity, which could help the film build momentum over the weekend.
Rahu Ketu Struggles to Find Traction
Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma’s Rahu Ketu faced an even tougher start at the box office. On its first day, the film managed to collect Rs 1 crore, placing it behind both Dhurandhar and Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos.
With an occupancy of just 6.90 percent, the film struggled to attract footfalls across major centres. Despite the actors’ popularity in the comedy space, Rahu Ketu has not yet translated that appeal into strong box office numbers.
The coming days will be crucial for the film, as weekend collections often determine whether a title can sustain itself beyond the initial release phase.
Comparing Audience Response Across Films
One of the most interesting aspects of this box office clash is the contrast in audience response. Dhurandhar continues to benefit from strong recall value, while the newer releases are still trying to establish their presence.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos appears to be relying on niche appeal and positive reviews, whereas Rahu Ketu faces the challenge of limited traction despite its recognizable cast.
This contrast highlights how audience loyalty and sustained engagement can sometimes outweigh novelty, especially when a film manages to strike a chord early in its run.
Weekend Holds the Key
The weekend will be a decisive factor for all three films. While Dhurandhar is expected to maintain its edge, the focus will be on whether the newer releases can show significant growth.
For Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, an uptick on Day 2 and Day 3 could help offset its relatively modest opening. Strong weekend growth would indicate positive audience reception beyond the initial curiosity factor.
Rahu Ketu, on the other hand, needs a sharper jump in collections to stay competitive. Without a noticeable improvement, the film may find it difficult to sustain itself in theatres.
Can Any Film Touch Rs 10 Crore Opening Weekend?
Another point of interest is whether either of the new releases can cross the Rs 10 crore mark over their opening weekend. Given their smaller budgets and niche audiences, this remains a challenging target.
However, even if they fall short, controlled budgets mean that moderate collections could still be considered respectable. The real test lies in maintaining consistency beyond the first weekend.
Dhurandhar, meanwhile, has already crossed multiple milestones, making its current performance a bonus rather than a necessity.
Growing Buzz Around Dhurandhar 2
As Dhurandhar continues its impressive run, attention has naturally shifted toward its sequel. The success of the first film has significantly heightened expectations for Dhurandhar 2.
Audiences are already discussing the upcoming installment, and the continued box office strength of the original only adds to the anticipation. The sequel is slated for a March 19 release, setting the stage for another major cinematic event.
With a box office clash against Yash’s Toxic, Dhurandhar 2 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
A Rare Example of Box Office Longevity
Dhurandhar’s journey serves as a reminder that box office success is not always about explosive openings. Sometimes, steady performance and audience trust can deliver equally impressive results.
The film’s ability to outperform newer releases on Day 43 underscores the importance of content-driven cinema and long-term engagement.
As the theatrical landscape continues to evolve, Dhurandhar stands as a strong example of how films can achieve sustained success well beyond their opening weeks.
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