Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar franchise, which has rewritten box office records in India, has hit a speed bump in its overseas journey, particularly in Japan. The action drama, which arrived in Japanese theatres on July 10 after massive promotions, has opened to a muted response at the Japanese box office. Despite releasing across nearly 80 screens, Dhurandhar failed to break into Japan's top 25 films over its opening weekend, according to trade reports. This is a stark contrast to its success in India, where the second instalment, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has emerged as the second highest-grossing Indian film of all time, earning Rs 1,813 crore worldwide. The first film, Dhurandhar, released in December 2025, was also a major box office success, collecting more than Rs 1,307 crore globally. Together, the two films have crossed the Rs 3,100 crore mark worldwide.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the stark contrast between the Indian and Japanese markets. While Dhurandhar has been a box office star in India, its performance in Japan has been modest, with around 900 admissions on the opening day. This raises a deeper question: Why has the film struggled in Japan, despite the makers' efforts to build buzz around the release? One thing that immediately stands out is the cultural differences between the two markets. Japanese audiences may not be as familiar with the franchise or the actors, which could explain the muted response. Additionally, the film's release date in Japan, July 10, may have been a strategic mistake, as it falls between the peak summer season and the holiday season, when audiences are typically more engaged.
From my perspective, the Dhurandhar franchise's overseas journey highlights the challenges of expanding into new markets. While the films have been successful in India, their performance in Japan has been modest, which could be a result of cultural differences, strategic mistakes, or a combination of both. This raises a broader question: How can filmmakers effectively navigate the complexities of expanding into new markets, while maintaining their brand identity and appeal to local audiences? One thing is clear: the Dhurandhar franchise's success in India does not guarantee its success in other markets. As the film industry continues to globalize, it will be fascinating to see how filmmakers adapt to the challenges and opportunities of expanding into new territories.
In my opinion, the Dhurandhar franchise's overseas journey is a cautionary tale for filmmakers. While it is tempting to assume that success in one market will translate to success in others, the reality is more complex. Filmmakers must be prepared to adapt their strategies and strategies to suit the unique characteristics of each market, while also maintaining their brand identity and appeal to local audiences. This requires a deep understanding of the local culture, audience preferences, and market dynamics, as well as a willingness to take risks and experiment with new approaches. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how filmmakers navigate the challenges and opportunities of expanding into new territories, and how they can effectively connect with audiences around the world.
