Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the biggest Indian blockbusters in recent years, reportedly grossing more than ₹3,100 crore worldwide. While the espionage thriller dominated the global box office and received an overwhelming response across several international markets, its theatrical run in Japan told a completely different story.
Despite releasing across nearly 80 screens, Dhurandhar failed to make a significant impact at the Japanese box office, prompting discussions about why a global blockbuster struggled in a market that has previously embraced Indian cinema.
Trade experts Taran Adarsh, Girish Johar, and Akkshay Rathie shared their views on the film’s performance, offering different perspectives on what may have contributed to its disappointing run.
Taran Adarsh: One Weak Territory Doesn’t Define a Global Blockbuster
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh believes that underperforming in one market should not overshadow the film’s extraordinary worldwide success.
According to him, several blockbuster films have struggled in individual territories despite becoming global phenomena.
“Dhurandhar has proved itself across the globe. If it hasn’t done well in Japan, that doesn’t change its overall success. Even Baahubali didn’t perform well in China despite being a historic blockbuster.”
He added that every international market has its own audience preferences, and a film’s inability to connect with one territory shouldn’t diminish its overall achievements.
Girish Johar: Japanese Audiences Couldn’t Connect With the Story
Producer and film business expert Girish Johar feels the biggest reason behind the film’s poor performance was its inability to resonate with Japanese audiences.
According to Johar, Japan already has a strong domestic action film industry while Hollywood blockbusters dominate the theatrical landscape, making it difficult for Dhurandhar to stand out.
He also believes the release strategy may have worked against the film.
Since the movie had already premiered on OTT platforms before its Japanese theatrical release, many viewers who were interested may have already watched it digitally.
As a result, the theatrical release arrived too late to generate significant excitement.
Akkshay Rathie: The Story Was Too Region-Specific
Film exhibitor Akkshay Rathie pointed out that Dhurandhar’s subject matter was deeply rooted in the geopolitical history of the Indian subcontinent.
While Indian audiences could easily relate to the historical references and espionage backdrop, Japanese viewers lacked the cultural and political context necessary to fully connect with the narrative.
According to Rathie, the film may have felt unfamiliar to local audiences despite its impressive production values.
However, he also praised the decision to release Indian films in newer international markets, saying that building an audience overseas is a gradual process that requires patience.
Dhurandhar’s Japan Box Office Performance
According to trade reports, Dhurandhar opened in Japan on July 10 across nearly 80 screens.
However, the film failed to enter the country’s Top 25 box office chart during its opening weekend.
The espionage thriller reportedly recorded only 449 admissions by 2 PM on its opening day across 57 locations. By the end of Friday, total admissions had reached only around 900 despite screening in approximately 80 theatres.
The numbers highlighted the film’s muted reception compared to its record-breaking performance in several other territories.
Global Success Remains Unmatched
Despite its underwhelming performance in Japan, Dhurandhar continues to be regarded as one of the biggest commercial successes in Indian cinema.
Its worldwide earnings, strong domestic collections, and impressive overseas business across multiple markets reaffirm its blockbuster status.
While Japan may have remained an exception, industry experts agree that expanding Indian films into newer global markets remains an important step for the future of Indian cinema.
FAQs
Why did Dhurandhar underperform in Japan?
Trade experts believe the film’s region-specific storyline, delayed release strategy, and limited connection with Japanese audiences contributed to its poor box-office performance.
How much has Dhurandhar earned worldwide?
The film has reportedly grossed over ₹3,100 crore globally, making it one of the biggest Indian blockbusters.
What did Taran Adarsh say about Dhurandhar’s Japan performance?
He said that underperforming in one territory does not diminish the film’s massive global success and compared it to Baahubali, which also struggled in China.
Who directed Dhurandhar?
The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead. (Director details were not mentioned in the provided information.)
When did Dhurandhar release in Japan?
The film released in Japanese theatres on July 10 across nearly 80 screens.
