The upcoming Eid frame is shaping up to host one of the biggest theatrical showdowns of the year, as Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge locks horns with Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grownups on March 19. With both films generating enormous buzz across multiple Indian languages, the ripple effect of their clash is now being felt beyond the domestic industry.
A Crowded Release Window Forces Changes
Yash is returning to cinemas nearly four years after the blockbuster success of KGF: Chapter 2, while Dhurandhar: The Revenge carries forward the momentum of a highly successful first installment. The combined star power and anticipation have made the Eid corridor extremely competitive.
Several Indian films that were initially targeting the same window have already shifted their dates. Among them are Ram Charan’s Peddi, Nani’s The Paradise, the ensemble comedy Dhamaal 4, and Ayushmann Khurrana’s Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. The reshuffle highlights how distributors and producers are wary of competing directly with two major tentpole releases.
Hollywood Film Also Postpones India Debut
The impact has now extended to Hollywood. Ryan Gosling’s sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary has vacated its March 20 India release date. While the film’s global rollout will proceed as planned, its Indian theatrical debut has reportedly been pushed to April to avoid direct competition.
Industry insiders suggest that this decision is not purely about box office numbers. Screen allocation is expected to be a major challenge during the Eid weekend. With Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic both demanding extensive screen presence, exhibitors will already be under pressure to divide showtimes fairly.
IMAX Screens Add to the Challenge
Another significant factor is premium format availability. Toxic is confirmed to release in IMAX, and Dhurandhar: The Revenge is also expected to secure premium large-format screenings. This would have made it difficult for Project Hail Mary to obtain adequate IMAX slots in India, prompting the strategic delay.
Interestingly, Ryan Gosling previously faced a high-profile box office clash in 2023 when Barbie went head-to-head with Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan. That showdown turned into a historic global event, with both films crossing the $1 billion mark worldwide.
This time, however, the strategy appears different. With two massive Indian releases dominating the Eid weekend, stepping aside in one key market seems to be the safer commercial move.
As March 19 approaches, all eyes are on how Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic will perform in what promises to be one of the most intense box office battles of 2026.