Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar Faces Challenges at Japanese Box Office

Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar has achieved remarkable success globally but has struggled to connect with audiences in Japan. Experts discuss potential reasons for its underperformance, including cultural disconnect and release timing. Despite its challenges in this specific market, the film's overall success remains significant. Insights from industry analysts shed light on the complexities of international film releases and audience preferences, highlighting the importance of strategic planning for future endeavors in new markets.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 15:53 IST

Dhurandhar's Global Success vs. Japanese Performance

Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar has shattered box office records globally, establishing itself as one of the most successful Indian films in recent years. However, its performance in Japan has not mirrored this success, prompting inquiries into the reasons behind its struggles in a market that has previously welcomed Indian films. Is it a shift in audience tastes, the timing of the release, or a response specific to the Japanese market? To delve into this issue, insights were gathered from trade analyst Taran Adarsh, film producer Girish Johar, and exhibitor Akkshay Rathie.

Reasons for Dhurandhar's Underperformance in Japan

Why did Dhurandhar fail to impress in Japan?

In an exclusive discussion, trade analyst Taran Adarsh emphasized that a film's success in one region should not overshadow its overall achievements. He noted that even major hits can falter in certain international markets. "I believe Dhurandhar has proven its worth globally. Reports suggest it hasn't performed well in Japan, but I don't have the exact figures. It's common for films to excel worldwide yet struggle in specific territories. For example, Baahubali was a massive success but didn't resonate in China. This doesn't diminish its quality," he stated. He added that while Dhurandhar may not have succeeded in Japan, it shouldn't be blown out of proportion, as the film has shown remarkable strength elsewhere.

Cultural Disconnect and Release Timing

Producer Girish Johar expressed that the film's content may not have struck a chord with Japanese viewers, suggesting that its delayed release after being available on OTT platforms could have hindered its box office potential. "Japanese audiences already have a wealth of action films in their language and are constantly exposed to Hollywood. The film didn't resonate with them, and it had a weak start at the box office. If it had opened strongly, we could attribute its performance to reviews, but the connection simply wasn't there," he explained. He also pointed out that since both parts of the film were available on streaming services, many potential viewers might have already seen them before the theatrical release in Japan.

Cultural Context and Future Prospects

Dhurandhar's subject 'deeply rooted in geopolitical history of India subcontinent'

Exhibitor Akkshay Rathie noted that the film's themes, which are deeply embedded in the geopolitical history of the Indian subcontinent, may not have resonated with Japanese audiences. He emphasized that entering new international markets is a gradual process and should be viewed positively despite the film's lackluster response. "Japan has a unique market with specific content preferences. Dhurandhar is steeped in historical and cultural contexts that may feel foreign to Japanese viewers. However, it's crucial for Indian cinema to continue exploring new markets to cultivate diverse audiences," he remarked.

Dhurandhar's Box Office Performance in Japan

Dhurandhar Japan box office numbers

As per trade reports, Dhurandhar debuted in Japan on July 10 across nearly 80 screens but did not make it into the top 25 films during its opening weekend. The espionage thriller recorded only 449 admissions by 2 PM on its first day across 57 locations, with minimal growth later. By the end of Friday, total admissions were around 900 across all 80 locations.