Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar continues its impressive run at the box office, but one of the most surprising and heartening developments has emerged from Kashmir’s small towns. From Shopian to Pulwama, single-screen theatres and modest cinema halls have reportedly been running houseful shows, signaling a powerful grassroots response that goes beyond metro cities and multiplex-driven collections.
While big-budget films often rely heavily on urban centres for success, Dhurandhar seems to be rewriting that narrative. The film’s strong storytelling, intense performances, and emotionally grounded themes have struck a chord with audiences in regions that are often overlooked in mainstream box office discussions.
Unexpected Buzz in Small-Town Kashmir
Local theatre owners in Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag, and nearby towns have confirmed packed houses since the film’s release. Several morning and evening shows reportedly sold out within hours, prompting additional screenings to accommodate audience demand.
A theatre manager from Pulwama shared,
“Usually, it takes time for a Hindi film to pick up here. But Dhurandhar created curiosity from day one. The response has been overwhelming.”
The success is being seen as particularly significant given the region’s limited cinema infrastructure. Many of these towns operate with just one screen or temporary cinema setups, making the turnout even more noteworthy.
Why ‘Dhurandhar’ Is Connecting With Kashmiri Audiences
Trade experts believe Dhurandhar resonates because of its raw realism and emotional intensity. Unlike glossy entertainers, the film focuses on layered characters, moral dilemmas, and the cost of violence—elements that appeal to audiences seeking substance over spectacle.
Ranveer Singh’s intense performance has been singled out for praise, with viewers appreciating his transformation and emotional depth. Akshaye Khanna’s restrained yet chilling portrayal has also drawn strong reactions, with audiences describing his character as “quietly terrifying” and “deeply realistic.”
Local viewers have pointed out that the film doesn’t rely on exaggerated heroism. Instead, it presents flawed human beings navigating harsh realities—something many found relatable.
Word-of-Mouth Drives the Momentum
The film’s success in Kashmir’s small towns appears to be largely word-of-mouth driven. With limited promotional activity in the region, audience recommendations played a crucial role.
College students, shopkeepers, and families have been seen lining up outside theatres, often traveling from nearby villages to catch a show. Social media clips showing long queues outside cinemas in Shopian and Pulwama quickly went viral, drawing national attention.
A college student from Shopian said,
“We don’t get many films like this. Dhurandhar makes you think. People here are discussing scenes, not just songs.”
A Boost for Single-Screen Cinemas
The film’s performance has also been a morale booster for single-screen theatres, which have struggled to recover post-pandemic. Theatre owners say Dhurandhar has brought back footfalls they hadn’t seen in months.
In some towns, shows were extended late into the night to meet demand. Vendors selling snacks outside cinemas also reported increased business, highlighting the broader economic ripple effect of a successful theatrical release.
Trade analysts note that such trends underline the importance of content-driven cinema for sustaining single screens across smaller markets.
Industry Takes Notice
The unexpected success of Dhurandhar in Kashmir’s smaller towns has not gone unnoticed by the film industry. Distributors are reportedly reassessing the potential of non-metro markets, particularly regions where audiences value strong narratives over star-driven spectacle.
Industry insiders believe this response could encourage filmmakers to explore wider releases in similar regions, breaking the long-held assumption that such markets are commercially risky.
One trade expert commented,
“This proves that good cinema travels. You don’t need massive promotions if the content is honest and engaging.”
A Cultural Moment Beyond Box Office Numbers
Beyond ticket sales, the film’s reception in Kashmir carries symbolic significance. Cinema has long been viewed as a unifying cultural experience, and packed theatres in regions like Shopian and Pulwama highlight the shared emotional language of storytelling.
For many viewers, Dhurandhar offered not just entertainment but a rare collective experience—families, friends, and strangers watching, reacting, and discussing the film together.
What Lies Ahead for ‘Dhurandhar’?
With its strong run in smaller towns and steady performance in urban centres, Dhurandhar is emerging as one of the most talked-about films of the year. The Kashmir response adds a powerful chapter to its journey, reinforcing the idea that cinema thrives when it connects deeply with audiences, regardless of geography.
As the film continues its theatrical run and prepares for eventual digital release, its success in places like Shopian and Pulwama stands as a reminder: when storytelling is honest, audiences everywhere show up—sometimes in ways no one expects.
