Ranveer Singh’s “Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge” has maintained its box-office lead over Ranbir Kapoor’s “Ramayana”, despite the former’s A-rating and graphic violence. The contrast has raised questions about whether the epic’s broad family appeal can compete with the sequel’s hype and commercial momentum.
As stated by Hindustan Times, “Ramayana” is among the most expensive Indian films ever made, although its exact budget remains unclear. Producer Namit Malhotra previously said the two-part project would cost $500 million (around ₹4,000 crore). More recent reports put the first instalment’s total cost at ₹1,600 crore (approximately $175 million).
The film opened with ₹65 crore in India and ₹128 crore worldwide, according to the figures cited in the report. While those collections would be impressive for most films, “Ramayana” faces a much higher financial hurdle because of its reported budget.
“Dhurandhar: The Revenge” entered theatres in March amid enormous anticipation following the success of its predecessor. The short gap between the two films helped sustain audience interest, with the first instalment still playing in cinemas when the sequel arrived.
The Aditya Dhar-directed film also benefited from its nationalistic themes, polished production and strong advance bookings. It became the first Bollywood film to collect ₹100 crore in a single day domestically and ₹200 crore worldwide, according to the report.
Its A-rating and graphic violence did not prevent it from attracting large audiences. By contrast, “Ramayana” entered the competition with a different proposition: a revered epic with devotional significance and the potential to draw families to cinemas.
However, that wider potential did not translate into a stronger opening weekend. The report attributes the difference largely to the momentum behind “Dhurandhar 2”, suggesting that audience anticipation can outweigh a film’s broader appeal, at least during its initial release.
The performances of Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor have fuelled comparisons between the two actors for years. Ranbir appeared to gain an advantage with “Animal”, but Ranveer strengthened his position with the two “Dhurandhar” films.
“Ramayana” was expected to give Ranbir another opportunity to establish himself as one of his generation’s leading box-office stars. However, the film reportedly earned 36 per cent less than “Dhurandhar 2” on its opening day and 32 per cent less over its first four days, including the extended weekend.
The gap could narrow as the post-Diwali holiday period brings more viewers to cinemas. However, “Ramayana” will need stronger word of mouth and a substantial overseas boost to challenge its rival’s worldwide earnings.
The film’s reported budget also raises the stakes. Its prospects of crossing ₹2,000 crore will depend on whether collections rise significantly beyond the opening period. “Dhurandhar 2”, meanwhile, reportedly fell around ₹150 crore short of that milestone.
Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, “Ramayana” is planned as a two-part film series.
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi portrays Sita, Yash plays Ravana and Ravie Dubey appears as Lakshman.
The first instalment released worldwide on 5 November, while the second part is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2028.
