TOKYO: Despite becoming one of India’s highest-grossing films worldwide, Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster Dhurandar has failed to attract audiences in Japan, where its theatrical debut received a disappointing response.
According to media reports, the film, which has reportedly earned around ₹30 billion (3,000 crore Indian rupees) globally, was released in Japan on July 10 across 80 cinemas.
However, the opening-day performance fell far below expectations, with only around 900 people reportedly watching the film on its first day. The low turnout has been viewed as a sign that the movie failed to generate significant interest among Japanese audiences.
The film’s weak debut stands in contrast to the strong reception many Indian films have historically enjoyed in Japan. Over the years, several Indian productions have built dedicated fan bases in the country and achieved notable commercial success.
Popular titles such as 3 Idiots, English Vinglish, RRR, and the Baahubali series were warmly received by Japanese moviegoers, with RRR setting a benchmark by attracting approximately 8,230 viewers on its opening day, making it one of the most successful Indian film openings in Japan.
Despite its remarkable global box office earnings, Dhurandar was unable to replicate that success in the Japanese market and reportedly failed to secure a place among the Top 10 highest-performing Indian film releases in Japan.
Industry observers note that commercial success in one international market does not necessarily translate into similar results elsewhere, as audience preferences, cultural appeal, marketing strategies, and competition from local and international releases can significantly influence a film’s performance.
While Dhurandar continues to be recognized as a major global box office success, its underwhelming opening in Japan highlights the challenges of attracting audiences in diverse overseas markets, where even highly successful films may struggle to achieve the same level of popularity.



