What is the story about?
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2, with Ranveer Singh returning to lead the espionage drama has released globally to massive fanfare. Five days in, the film has already
managed to rake in over Rs 400 crore in India alone and looks to create history in its lifetime business. Dhurandhar 2 comes at a time when Indian cinema is seeing a seismic shift, but it is not the first one. Perhaps that credit goes to Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna’s Pushpa 2 which released in 2024. However, one this is for certain, with Dhurandhar 2 and Pushpa 2: The Rule, respectively, both stars have ignited the box office in ways that demand not just celebration, but also comparison. In an industry that was once divided by language and region, the modern superstar is measured by reach, recall and raw numbers. In the first five days of their respective releases, both Ranveer Singh and Allu Arjun have delivered staggering performances – but who is the bigger star following the release of their film?
Dhurandhar 2 vs Pushpa 2’s Day 1 At Theatres
In general, the first day of a film’s release has long been considered the truest test of a star’s prowess in theatres. That day alone reflects anticipation, fan loyalty and the ability to turn a film into an event. On release, Pushpa 2: The Rule became a massive box office hit, setting the tone for what would become a historic run. The film’s Day 1 numbers were dominant, outpacing most Indian films in recent memory. Pushpa 2 raked in Rs 164 crore nett domestically on the day of its release.
Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar, also opened to massive numbers, particularly in the Hindi market raking in roughly Rs 145 crore. While it didn’t surpass Pushpa 2’s opening day, it firmly established Ranveer Singh as a force capable of delivering one of Bollywood’s biggest starts ever.
Weekend Surge For Dhurandhar 2 And Pushpa 2
The story shifts dramatically in the days that followed release for both films. Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 showed extraordinary momentum over its first five days, rapidly climbing past major milestones in the Hindi market. After raking in Rs 43 crore in paid previews on Day 0, the film went on to earn Rs 102.55 crore on Day 1, and Rs 80.72 crore on Day 2. On Day 3, which was the first Saturday for Dhurandhar 2, the film earned a whopping Rs 113 crore, followed by Rs 114.85 crore on Sunday, as per sacnilk. Dhurandhar 2 did not just perform well, it actually went on to redefine what a Bollywood film could achieve in such a short span. The film’s pace at ticket windows suggest it was not just hype, but there is a sustained audience interest in the film.
Meanwhile, on release, Pushpa 2 continued its rampage across multiple languages and territories. Its Hindi version alone delivered remarkable numbers, but its true strength lay in its pan-India footprint—Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and overseas markets all contributing significantly. Pushpa 2, which had raked in Rs 164.25 crore on release, earned a further Rs 93.80 crore on Day 2 (Friday), followed by a whopping Rs 119.25 crore and Rs 141.05 crore on Saturday and Sunday.
Hindi Heartland vs Pan-India Pulse for Dhurandhar 2 and Pushpa 2
Bollywood has been definitive for Indian stardom for years, but with the rise of pan-India cinema, the milieu has seen a change. Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 is a landmark for Hindi cinema. Its first five-day performance places it among the biggest ever in the language, signaling a resurgence of Bollywood’s box office might. Allu Arjun, however, works on a different plane. With Pushpa 2, he proved he is a truly national figure. The film’s performance across regions demonstrated an unmatched ability to connect with diverse audiences, from single screens in small towns to premium theatres overseas.
Footfalls and Frenzy
Apart from box office, the footfalls for both films are also a hint at how they performed at grass root levels. Pushpa 2 drew massive footfalls from day one, highlighting not just high ticket prices but genuine mass turnout. The film’s appeal cut across demographics, pulling in audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well. Dhurandhar 2, while also attracting huge crowds, leaned slightly more toward the urban audiences who made a beeline for multiplexes. Its slick espionage narrative and high production values made it a premium theatrical experience. Pushpa 2 had a 67.2 per cent occupancy from 32,000 shows on its premiere, while Dhurandhar had 67.8 per cent occupancy from 21,000 shows.
Interestingly, Pushpa 2 saw a steep drop to 54.9 per cent occupancy on day 2, before rising to 65.4 per cent and 72.9 per cent occupancy over its first weekend. Dhurandhar too saw a slight dip in viewership by it second day (62.6 per cent), before seeing a massive spike to 81.6 per cent and 79.7 per cent occupancy over the weekend.
Global Equation for Dhurandhar 2 and Pushpa 2
In today’s cinematic landscape, overseas performance is a key marker of stardom. Pushpa 2 delivered exceptional numbers internationally, reinforcing Allu Arjun’s growing global appeal. Markets like North America and the Middle East responded enthusiastically, turning the film into a worldwide phenomenon within days. Dhurandhar 2 also performed strongly overseas, marking one of Ranveer Singh’s best international openings. However, it didn’t quite match the global frenzy generated by Pushpa 2, possibly owing to the GCC ban faced by both Dhurandhar and its sequel – a problem not faced by Pushpa 2.
Cultural Currency
Pushpa 2, on release became a defining moment for cinema, with catchphrases and mannerisms that seeped into everyday conversations. Its influence was visible in social media trends, street culture, fashion and even religion. Dhurandhar 2, on the other hand, has earned immense industry respect as well. Filmmakers, critics, and audiences alike have praised its scale and execution. Even veterans like Ram Gopal Varma have shared how the film is ‘nuclear bombing’ Hindi cinema at present. Where Pushpa 2 captured the masses, Dhurandhar 2 has managed to capture the moment.
Ranveer Singh Vs Allu Arjun
What makes this comparison fascinating is the complication of it. Ranveer Singh is at the peak of his Bollywood dominance following a series of films where his credibility was seriously called into question. With Dhurandhar last year and now Dhurandhar 2, he has proven that he can headline a film that not only opens big but sustains at an extraordinary pace. His evolution into a bankable “event film” star is now complete. Allu Arjun, meanwhile, is representative of the future of Indian superstardom. He commands massive openings, drives footfalls across regions, and delivers global numbers.
So, who is the bigger star?
If the lens focuses on the Hindi market alone for the first five days, Ranveer Singh makes a compelling case. Dhurandhar 2 is a benchmark-setting performance that reasserts Bollywood’s box office muscle. However, when the frame widens - to include Day 1 pull, pan-India reach, and global dominance - Allu Arjun is still retaining the upper hand, for Pushpa 2 simply operate on a larger canvas.
With Dhurandhar 2, Ranveer Singh has become the face of a revitalised Bollywood which is ambitious, polished, and event-driven. Allu Arjun, on the other hand, is the face of cinema that is without boundary, mass-driven, and global in ambition. However, with Dhurandhar 2 yet to complete its lifetime business, calling it a lesser hit would perhaps be a disservice to the film. With Pushpa 2’s 677 crore business in one week and Dhurandhar 2’s Rs 466 crore in four days – the battle is still wide open.
