Can 'Ramayana' cross $360 million? Industry eyes record beyond 'Dhurandhar 2'

Highlights:

• Dhurandhar 2 crosses $165 million globally without China or Gulf release
• Dangal remains the record-holder with ~$240 million worldwide
• Ramayana could aim for $360 million benchmark if successful
• Film backed by large-scale production and global VFX support
• Experts say execution will determine record-breaking potential

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar 2 is expected to remain the highest-grossing film of the year. However, industry insiders believe one upcoming pan-India release, Ramayana, could challenge its dominance at the box office.

Starring Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has already become the biggest Hindi film of all time. The film is now chasing the global benchmark set by Aamir Khan’s Dangal, which earned around $240 million worldwide, including over $155 million from China alone.

So far, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has grossed more than $165-170 million globally, despite not releasing in key international markets such as China or the Gulf. This makes its performance particularly notable.

The box office scenario could shift during Diwali with the release of Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, who also directed Dangal. The film features a major ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Sai Pallavi.

Speaking on a recent discussion, exhibitors Vishek Chauhan and Akkshay Rathie reflected on the massive success of Dhurandhar 2 and the potential scale of Ramayana. Chauhan said the film’s scale, storyline, and the current national mood are all working in its favor, but emphasized that execution will be key, especially given the sensitivity of faith-based subjects.

“I cannot put a number to what the film could do, but if it is received well, maybe then we will do a podcast to celebrate the new benchmark of 3,000 crores. Because that is the potential of the Hindi film industry,” Chauhan said.

Rathie pointed out that the film’s “architectural design,” combining stars from different industries, adds to its appeal. He also highlighted the involvement of global VFX company DNEG, known for its work in both Indian and Hollywood cinema.

“Them coming together with a storyteller like Nitesh Tiwari and the whole infrastructure of DNEG… it looks like the film has the potential to break the glass ceiling and create a new benchmark,” Rathie added.

The exhibitors also referenced Prabhas’ Adipurush, which had a strong opening despite criticism. They noted that a well-executed film with a massive budget, reportedly over $420 million, could deliver extraordinary results.

Ramayana is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations.