Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, has created an unprecedented frenzy ahead of its March 19, 2026 release. The spy thriller sequel is running 24-hour shows in multiple theaters due to overwhelming demand, with midnight, early-morning, and round-the-clock screenings added even before its official opening. In a historic move, Mumbai’s iconic Maratha Mandir has shifted the legendary Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) from its traditional slot to accommodate the film’s massive runtime and hype.
Unstoppable Demand Fuels 24-Hour Screenings
Advance bookings for Dhurandhar 2 have shattered records, crossing ₹120–123 crore worldwide (including paid previews on March 18). Reports indicate over 1 million tickets sold in India alone, with global pre-sales hitting new highs. The film’s nearly 235-minute (3 hours 55 minutes) runtime has prompted theaters across Maharashtra — including Mumbai and Pune — to introduce post-midnight shows starting as early as 12:20 am or 12:45 am, and in some cases extending into early morning slots like 2 am or 5 am.
Maratha Mandir Makes Rare Adjustment for DDLJ Legacy
Maratha Mandir, synonymous with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s DDLJ — which has run uninterrupted for over 30 years in its iconic morning slot — has made an extraordinary exception. From March 18, DDLJ’s traditional 11:30 am show has been preponed to 10:00 am or 10:30 am to fit Dhurandhar 2’s extended runtime and multiple daily screenings (e.g., 2:15 pm, 6:00 pm, 9:45 pm).This is a significant shift for the historic single-screen theater, which rarely alters DDLJ’s schedule despite past pressures. The decision underscores the sheer scale of demand for Dhurandhar 2, as theaters prioritize the new blockbuster to maximize revenue during the festive window of Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.
What This Milestone Signals
The 24-hour shows and Maratha Mandir adjustment highlight Dhurandhar 2’s potential to deliver a record-breaking opening, possibly exceeding ₹100 crore domestically on Day 1. It also revives memories of similar hype for past blockbusters while proving the power of sequels in today’s pan-India market. As fans gear up for the release, Dhurandhar 2 is not just breaking records — it’s redefining theatrical excitement.
-By Manoj H