Everyone Talks ₹1000 Crore, No One Talks 1000x Ticket Prices - 'Dhurandhar 2' Debate

By Sharad Rai

These days, there is an uproar everywhere about the earnings of the film Dhurandhar 2. It is being said that the film has earned ₹1000 crore in India (₹1101.47 crore gross), surpassing its own previous version, Dhurandhar.

In simple terms, audiences can understand that Dhurandhar 2, in terms of earnings, has overtaken some of the highest-grossing films over time-Pathaan, Jawan, Pushpa 2, Animal, RRR, and even going further back, classics like Sholay, Deewar, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. Social media is busy glorifying Dhurandhar 2, with some even calling it 'never before, never again.'

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However, no one seems to be asking the real question-where have cinema ticket prices reached?

A publisher-journalist friend, Dinesh Verma, who often discusses social issues, shared: 'We watched the film in a theatre in Kandivali (Mumbai) by paying ₹5300 for a single ticket, as I had to participate in a TV debate. Many people have had similar experiences. Several families couldn't watch the film together and are now forced to wait for its OTT release.'

Now, there are reports that ticket prices are being gradually reduced, yet even then, the minimum ticket price is said to be around ₹400.
The point here is not to question the authenticity of ticket pricing, but to highlight how drastically the cinema business has changed. Gone are the days when tickets sold for ₹10-₹20, and when films were made on budgets of ₹5-10 lakh. An entire generation has moved on from cinema-going habits. Today's era belongs to producers investing ₹500-₹1500 crore in films and audiences who can afford ₹4000 tickets. But both such producers and audiences are limited in number.

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What is surprising is that sometimes, after two weeks, theatres appear nearly empty, yet the reported earnings touch ₹1000 crore. Clearly, ticket pricing plays a major role here.

Hearing the ticket prices of Dhurandhar 2 brings back memories. I once skipped studies to watch Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) at Alankar Theatre in Mumbai-the balcony ticket cost ₹5.50. Today, that price has jumped to ₹5500-a 1000-fold increase (shocking!).

Back then, it was also said that ticket prices had increased during the time of Amar Prem (1977). At Mumbai's Diana Cinema, stall tickets cost ₹1.35 and balcony tickets ₹2.40. Many theatres in South Mumbai offered low ticket prices, attracting students, young couples, and workers seeking affordable entertainment. Lower stall tickets ranged from ₹1.05 to ₹1.35, and any increase affected audience turnout.

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The usual ticket rates were ₹1.35 for lower stall, ₹1.60 for upper stall, and ₹2.40 for balcony. Cinemas like Diana, Daulat, Roop, Milan, Hindmata, Majestic, Nandi, Sheetal, and Navrang were among the affordable theatres in Mumbai where even future big filmmakers once watched films during their struggling days. Morning shows often had even cheaper tickets advertised in newspapers.

By the 1980s, ticket prices ranged between ₹4.50 and ₹8.75. Today, during the release week, viewers may have to spend ₹4000-₹5000 for a single ticket. In 1975, I watched Sholay on the first day, first show at Milan Talkies for ₹4.50, and a few months later, saw long queues for tickets priced at ₹2.40 in smaller theatres.

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Sholay remains one of the most iconic films in cinema history, still enjoyed by families. And now we have Dhurandhar 2 from the same industry-surrounded by massive hype-but the ticket prices alone make one hesitate before even planning to watch it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What did Vicky Kaushal say about 'Dhurandhar 2'? (What did Vicky Kaushal say about 'Dhurandhar 2'?)

A. Vicky Kaushal praised the film and called it entertaining and brilliant.

Q2. Who directed 'Dhurandhar 2'?

A. The film is directed by Aditya Dhar.

Q3. What did Vicky Kaushal like the most in the film?

A. He liked every aspect of the film, especially the performances and direction.

Q4. Which actors were praised by Vicky Kaushal?

A. He especially praised the acting of Ranveer Singh and R. Madhavan.

Q5. What is the audience response to 'Dhurandhar 2'?

A. The film is getting positive response from the audience and is performing well at the box office.