Box Office Showdown: Dhurandhar 2 vs Aadu 3

Dhurandhar 2 has taken the box office by storm, earning over Rs 450 crore in just four days. Meanwhile, Aadu 3, the third installment of a popular Malayalam franchise, is also making its mark, especially in GCC regions. Industry experts weigh in on the competition between these two films, discussing their performances and audience reception. With insights from trade analysts, this article delves into the dynamics of the box office landscape, highlighting the successes and challenges faced by both films. Read on to find out more about their journeys and what the future holds for them.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 16:44 IST

Dhurandhar 2 Dominates the Box Office

The film Dhurandhar 2, which hit theaters on March 19, is experiencing a remarkable box office performance, amassing over Rs 450 crore in just four days. While audiences are enthralled by Aditya Dhar’s action-packed drama, another Indian film, Aadu 3, is also making waves. This third installment in the beloved Malayalam series was released on the same day and has garnered approximately Rs 2 crore during its opening weekend. Notably, Aadu 3 has gained traction in the GCC regions, where Dhurandhar 2 was not released due to its sensitive themes. Industry analysts shared their insights on the films' performances and whether Aadu 3 is genuinely competing with Dhurandhar 2 in Kerala.

Expert Opinions on Aadu 3's Performance

Does Dhurandhar 2’s Absence Give Aadu 3 an Edge in GCC?

In an exclusive discussion with industry expert Sreedhar Pillai, he highlighted Aadu 3’s rising popularity. He stated, "Aadu 3 is part of a well-loved franchise and is performing well—not just in Kerala, but also in the Gulf." When asked if its success in GCC markets is due to the absence of Dhurandhar 2, he remarked, "It’s hard to say that. Dhurandhar 2 is a massive blockbuster, and comparisons are not right. Aadu 3, on the other hand, caters strongly to Malayalam-speaking audiences in the Gulf. Interestingly, despite political tensions in the region, the film is still performing admirably." He further noted that Aadu 3’s success in Kerala has revitalized theatrical momentum, with upcoming releases like Prathichaya starring Nivin Pauly and Pallichattambi featuring Tovino Thomas expected to attract audiences. "Aadu 3’s performance is a positive sign for the industry," he added.

Comparative Analysis of Box Office Success

Another trade analyst, Krishnan, dismissed the notion that Aadu 3 is in direct competition with Dhurandhar 2 in Kerala. He stated, "Both films are performing well. Dhurandhar 2 is already a blockbuster here and is on track to become the highest-grossing Bollywood film in Kerala." He noted that Aadu 3 has earned around Rs 31 crore in five days, while Dhurandhar 2 has collected approximately Rs 10.30 crore in the region. At a press conference in Kochi, producer Vijay Babu announced that Aadu 3 had earned over Rs 2 crore in its opening weekend, recovering nearly 70 percent of its budget within that time frame. Regarding the film’s long-term prospects, Krishnan expressed confidence that it would likely recover its full budget during its theatrical run.

Overview of Aadu 3 and Dhurandhar 2

About Aadu 3 and Dhurandhar 2

Aadu 3: One Last Ride – Part 1 is a 2026 Malayalam fantasy comedy directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas. It is the third part of the Aadu franchise and the first in a two-film series, featuring stars like Jayasurya, Saiju Kurup, Vinayakan, Renji Panicker, Vijay Babu, and Sunny Wayne.

On the other hand, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, is the sequel to the 2025 film Dhurandhar and concludes the duology. The film stars Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, and others reprising their roles.