Dhurandhar’s Unstoppable Run Sparks Rare Post-Midnight Screenings in Major Cities
The box office success of a film is often measured in opening weekend numbers. But a far rarer and more telling sign of a true phenomenon is when audiences are willing to watch a movie in the early hours of the morning. This is exactly what is happening with the new blockbuster Dhurandhar, which has forced theatres in major Indian cities to schedule screenings well past midnight.
Unprecedented Demand Leads to Late-Night Screenings
Across Maharashtra and Gujarat, cinema operators are responding to overwhelming public demand. In Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, multiplexes and single-screen theatres have begun screening Dhurandhar from as late as 12:45 AM. This is not a common practice in the industry. Such post-midnight shows are typically reserved only for the most anticipated franchise films or major star-driven events where fan excitement is at a fever pitch.
The decision was not taken lightly. It came as a direct response to a massive surge in advance bookings. Tickets for prime evening shows were selling out rapidly, leaving many potential viewers unable to secure seats. To capture this pent-up demand and accommodate eager fans, theatre chains made the unusual move to extend the show schedule deep into the night.
A Trend Spreading Across Multiple Cities
The excitement is not confined to India’s financial capital. The trend has spread quickly to other major urban centers. In Pune, shows are now commencing from 12:20 AM onwards. Theatre managers reported consistent inquiries and heavy bookings, mirroring the situation in Mumbai.
Notably, the phenomenon has crossed state lines. Ahmedabad in Gujarat has also seen the introduction of these special late-night screenings. This geographic spread is significant. It indicates that the film’s appeal is broad and not limited to a single region or demographic. The ability to drive audiences to theatres at such an hour in multiple cities underscores a powerful word-of-mouth campaign and deep audience engagement.
A Repeat Performance of Success
This is actually the second wave of post-midnight mania for Dhurandhar. The same pattern emerged during the film’s opening weekend, as first reported by trade analysts. The fact that demand has sustained into a second weekend, compelling theatres to once again add these extreme time slots, speaks volumes about the film’s staying power. It suggests that the initial audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, fueling continued interest and drawing in new viewers.
Midnight screenings are a clear industry metric. They signal a film that has transcended typical viewership to become a cultural event. The move demonstrates that Dhurandhar has generated a mass appeal strong enough to overcome the practical inconvenience of a very late showtime.
The Team Behind the Phenomenon
Dhurandhar is directed and written by Aditya Dhar, who is known for crafting high-octane patriotic narratives. The film boasts a formidable ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. This combination of a proven director and a star-studded lineup likely contributed significantly to the pre-release hype. The film is produced under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios.
The extraordinary measure of adding post-midnight shows is a strong indicator of commercial success. It reflects a perfect storm of marketing, star power, and audience reception. For investors and industry watchers, such tangible signs of demand are crucial. They point to a robust financial performance that goes beyond opening day figures, suggesting that Dhurandhar has the momentum for a long and profitable theatrical run.
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