A heated face-off is unfolding in the exhibition circuit this week as Ranveer Singh’s upcoming action film Dhurandhar and Dhanush–Kriti Sanon’s romantic hit Tere Ishk Mein lock horns for screen space. With Dhurandhar slated for a December 5 release, the tussle between distributors has disrupted advance bookings and created uncertainty among theatre owners.
Tere Ishk Mein’s Strong Run Complicates Dhurandhar’s Arrival
Tere Ishk Mein has turned into one of the biggest surprise performers of the season, registering an impressive ₹65 crore in just five days. Its distributor, Anil Thadani (AA Films), is keen on retaining significant show counts in the film’s crucial second week, especially after its strong momentum.
Single-screen owners have reportedly agreed to allocate at least one show to Tere Ishk Mein while dedicating the majority of slots to the new release. However, industry sources say that Jio Studios, the distributor of Dhurandhar, is firm on not sharing any single-screen show across its first week.
Dhurandhar Targets Uninterrupted Single-Screen Run
The Dhurandhar team is aiming for complete dominance in mass belts — a strategy rooted in the film’s high-octane action narrative and marketing positioning. With expectations of a ₹14–18 crore opening, the makers believe uninterrupted showcasing will be critical to the film’s performance.
This stance has led to friction with AA Films, which maintains that the strong hold of Tere Ishk Mein justifies its continued presence on screens.
Multiplexes Also Caught in the Crossfire
The negotiation battle isn’t limited to single screens. Multiplex chains across major metros are witnessing pressure from both sides. AA Films is pushing for robust show counts, while the Dhurandhar team wants the widest possible rollout.
This ongoing tussle has slowed down the opening of advance bookings, leaving moviegoers waiting for final schedules. Exhibitors expect clarity only by Thursday afternoon, once negotiations settle.
Why the Battle Matters
Tere Ishk Mein is expected to comfortably cross ₹100 crore during its lifetime run — a benchmark that strengthens its distributor’s case for retaining screens.
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, carries strong buzz but also high expectations. Trade analysts believe its weekday performance will depend heavily on early audience reception and mass-centre turnout.
About the Films
Dhurandhar
Genre: Action thriller
Director: Aditya Dhar
Lead: Ranveer Singh
Release: December 5, 2025
Tere Ishk Mein
Genre: Romantic drama
Director: Aanand L Rai
Lead: Dhanush, Kriti Sanon
Status: Running successfully in theatres.
