Dhurandhar: Ranveer Singh Film Gets Thunderous Response In Kashmir Amid Criticism, Records Housefull Shows In Shopian And Pulwama

Aditya

Dhar's blockbuster film Dhurandhar has become a phenomenon ever since it was released in theatres on December 5,2025. Everything about the film is making headlines and its box office numbers are record-breaking too. Joining the list of places where the movie is witnessing impressive footfalls include Jammu & Kashmir.

Dhurandhar goes housefull in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian and Pulawama

According to a report in ETimes, Dhurandhar is receiving massive footfall in Jammu And Kashmir and in including smaller towns such as Shopian and Pulwama, where movie screenings are typically scarce. The enthusiastic turnout showcases a renewed appetite for theatrical viewing in the region, even in areas without multiplexes.ALSO READ:Dhurandhar Slays US Box Office; Crosses Rs 500 Crore Worldwide After Huge Second Weekend

The reason behind massive turnout

A key factor behind the film’s success is Citara, which operates a network of compact cinemas across Jammu & Kashmir. With seating capacities ranging from 100 to 150, these small-format theaters are filling the void left by the absence of multiplexes, offering audiences in smaller towns a genuine big-screen experience.

The Dhurandhar effect

Despite the lack of multiplex infrastructure in places like Shopian and Pulwama, Dhurandhar has continued to attract consistent crowds. Its performance underlines how smaller cinemas can thrive when pricing and operations are aligned with local demand. Industry observers note that such theaters are playing a vital role in strengthening the region’s exhibition ecosystem.India, meanwhile, remains significantly underscreened outside major metropolitan areas. Although multiplex-driven expansion has increased screen counts over the past decade, higher capacities and premium pricing have often led to lower occupancy levels in non-metro markets.

Citara Plex MD on audience's response to Dhurandhar

Commenting on the audience response, Citara Plex Managing Director Rahul Nehra told ANI, “Our focus has been on building right-sized cinemas for smaller markets. The response to Dhurandhar in towns like Shopian and Pulwama reinforces our belief that audiences will come to theaters when the experience is affordable, accessible, and close to home.”Have you watched Dhurandhar yet? Tweet to us @TimesNow!