by The excitement surrounding Dhurandhar has officially crossed into rare cinematic territory. In a development that underlines the film’s extraordinary public response, cinemas across Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad have begun adding post-midnight and late-night shows, a phenomenon typically reserved for only the most anticipated and mass-appeal releases in Indian cinema. From Mumbai’s multiplexes screening the film as late as 12:45 am, to Pune launching post-midnight shows from 12:20 am onwards, Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the most talked-about releases of the season.
The decision to introduce these late-night screenings did not come lightly. It followed a surge in advance bookings, consistently high occupancy rates, and relentless audience inquiries demanding additional slots. The trend, which began during the film’s opening weekend, has continued well into the week—an indicator that Dhurandhar is not merely enjoying opening-day hype but is benefitting from sustained momentum driven by strong word-of-mouth.
A Rare Box-Office Phenomenon in the Post-Pandemic Era
In the evolving landscape of post-pandemic cinema, midnight and post-midnight shows have become increasingly rare. Rising ticket prices, audience selectivity, and the convenience of OTT platforms have made such screenings uncommon. Yet, when a film commands overwhelming demand—especially across both multiplexes and single-screen theatres—exhibitors are compelled to respond.
Dhurandhar has managed to break through these barriers. The fact that theatres across multiple cities have extended their schedules beyond conventional showtimes reflects the film’s robust theatrical pull. Industry insiders point out that adding post-midnight shows is not just about filling seats; it is a calculated risk that theatres take only when demand far exceeds supply.
That this move has been repeated across weekends—beginning with the film’s first weekend and continuing into the following days—signals that Dhurandhar has tapped into something far deeper than momentary curiosity.
Mumbai Leads the Charge with Late-Night Screenings
Mumbai, India’s entertainment capital and often the first barometer of a film’s success, has witnessed a particularly strong response. Several multiplex chains have reportedly begun screening Dhurandhar as late as 12:45 am, a timing usually associated with blockbuster franchises or films with cult-like anticipation.
Moviegoers, particularly younger audiences and working professionals, have embraced these late-night shows enthusiastically. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts showcasing packed auditoriums well past midnight—clear visual evidence that Dhurandhar is resonating with urban audiences.
Trade analysts suggest that Mumbai’s response is especially significant because the city’s audiences are considered discerning and content-driven. For a film to draw crowds at unconventional hours here indicates strong engagement and repeat value.
Pune and Ahmedabad Join the Celebration
The enthusiasm is not limited to Mumbai alone. Pune, a city known for its vibrant youth culture and cinephile population, has also introduced post-midnight shows starting from 12:20 am onwards. According to exhibitors, the decision was driven by consistent inquiries and sold-out evening shows, prompting theatres to explore late-night options to accommodate eager viewers.
Ahmedabad, too, has mirrored this trend, reinforcing Dhurandhar’s pan-regional appeal. The addition of post-midnight shows in a city with a strong preference for content-driven cinema indicates that the film has successfully connected with audiences beyond metro hubs.
The fact that these cities—each with distinct audience sensibilities—are witnessing similar demand patterns underscores the film’s ability to cut across demographics and regional tastes.
Strong Word-of-Mouth Fuels Sustained Demand
One of the most compelling aspects of Dhurandhar’s theatrical run is the role of word-of-mouth. While advance bookings provided an initial boost, it is audience feedback that has sustained momentum beyond opening weekend.
Viewers have praised the film for its gripping narrative, intense performances, and layered storytelling. Online discussions suggest that audiences are recommending the film across age groups, encouraging friends and family to catch it in theatres rather than waiting for a digital release.
This organic buzz has translated into steady footfalls, prompting exhibitors to keep expanding show timings—a clear sign of confidence in the film’s long-term box-office potential.
Midnight Shows: A Mark of Mass Appeal
Historically, midnight and post-midnight shows have been associated with films that generate fan-driven frenzy or mass-level excitement. From major franchise releases to films starring actors with cult followings, such screenings are seen as a badge of honor in theatrical exhibition.
That Dhurandhar has achieved this status—without relying on franchise branding—speaks volumes about its positioning. The film appears to have struck a balance between content depth and mainstream appeal, making it attractive to both cinephiles and mass audiences.
Trade experts believe that this balance is precisely what has enabled Dhurandhar to outperform expectations in terms of demand.
Aditya Dhar’s Vision Finds Its Audience
Directed and written by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar carries the unmistakable stamp of a filmmaker known for crafting intense, layered narratives. Dhar’s storytelling approach—marked by realism, emotional depth, and strong character arcs—has clearly resonated with audiences looking for substance in mainstream cinema.
Industry observers note that Dhar’s credibility as a filmmaker has played a crucial role in building trust among audiences. His reputation for delivering impactful cinema has ensured that Dhurandhar was taken seriously even before its release, laying the foundation for the current box-office surge.
An Ensemble Cast That Elevates the Film
A major factor contributing to the film’s success is its power-packed ensemble cast, featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. Each actor brings a distinct screen presence, creating a layered cinematic experience that appeals to a wide audience base.
Ranveer Singh’s performance, in particular, has drawn considerable attention. Known for his ability to immerse himself completely into characters, Ranveer’s portrayal has been described by audiences as intense, nuanced, and emotionally gripping.
Veteran performers like Akshaye Khanna and Sanjay Dutt add gravitas, while R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal bring complexity and depth to their roles. The inclusion of Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi further strengthens the narrative, ensuring that every character contributes meaningfully to the story.
This ensemble approach has helped Dhurandhar avoid the pitfalls of star-centric storytelling, instead offering a collective cinematic experience that audiences find engaging.
Production Backing Adds Scale and Confidence
Produced under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar benefits from strong production backing that has ensured high technical standards and wide theatrical reach. The collaboration between these production houses has allowed the film to secure extensive screen counts across cities, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Exhibitors have reportedly expressed confidence in allocating additional shows due to the film’s consistent performance, a move that is often influenced by the credibility of the production houses involved.
Bollywood Hungama First Reported the Trend
Interestingly, this is not the first instance of post-midnight shows being added for Dhurandhar. The same phenomenon was observed during the film’s first weekend, with Bollywood Hungama being the first to report on the development.
The continuation of this trend beyond opening weekend suggests that Dhurandhar has successfully transitioned from an anticipated release to a sustained theatrical success—a rare achievement in today’s fast-paced entertainment ecosystem.
Audience Psychology: Why Late-Night Shows Work
Late-night and post-midnight shows often attract a specific segment of audiences—those driven by excitement, urgency, and a desire to experience the film as soon as possible. For many, watching a film past midnight is not just about convenience; it is about participating in a shared cultural moment.
In the case of Dhurandhar, these shows have become events in themselves. Social media chatter suggests that audiences see late-night screenings as part of the film’s identity, further amplifying its buzz.
What This Means for the Film’s Box-Office Trajectory
From a trade perspective, the addition of post-midnight shows significantly boosts a film’s daily show count and overall revenue potential. Higher occupancy during unconventional hours indicates that the film still has untapped demand, a promising sign for its long-term performance.
Analysts believe that if the current trend continues, Dhurandhar could enjoy a strong extended run, particularly in urban centers where audience engagement remains high.
A Testament to the Power of Theatrical Cinema
At a time when debates around the future of theatrical cinema continue, Dhurandhar’s success serves as a powerful reminder of the magic of the big screen. The film’s ability to draw audiences at post-midnight hours underscores the enduring appeal of communal viewing experiences.
For filmmakers, exhibitors, and audiences alike, Dhurandhar stands as proof that compelling storytelling, strong performances, and strategic release planning can still create cinematic moments worth staying up late for.
Conclusion: Dhurandhar Redefines Audience Engagement
The addition of post-midnight shows across Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad is more than just a logistical adjustment—it is a cultural statement. It reflects the film’s ability to spark excitement, sustain interest, and inspire audiences to prioritize the theatrical experience.
As Dhurandhar continues its impressive run, one thing is clear: this is not just another release—it is a phenomenon that has captured the collective imagination of moviegoers. With packed theatres, extended show timings, and growing buzz, Dhurandhar has firmly established itself as one of the most significant cinematic successes of recent times.
As Dhurandhar continues to witness packed theatres and expanding show schedules, the film’s journey is clearly far from over. The sustained audience enthusiasm, reflected in post-midnight shows across multiple cities, highlights its strong connect with viewers and reaffirms the power of engaging storytelling on the big screen. With momentum firmly on its side, Dhurandhar looks set to enjoy a steady and memorable theatrical run in the days ahead.
