Dhurandhar released amid much uncertainty about its box-office fate. But it has managed to work big time at the ticket window; Tuesday’s collections were more than of Monday, which is a sign that the action entertainer is set for a long run. Now, trade and industry are eager to know how much it is able to collect in its lifetime. The biggest hits of the year so far are Chhaava, which collected Rs. 600.10 crores and Saiyaara, which accumulated Rs. 337.78 crores. Will Dhurandhar be able to cross these figures? (Note: The quotes of these trade experts were gathered on Tuesday, December 9, when Dhurandhar had collected Rs. 159.40 crores.)

Dhurandhar vs Chhaava vs Saiyaara: Trade calls Chhaava ‘out of reach’ but warns Saiyaara’s lifetime is in DANGER

All trade experts agreed that the numbers of Chhaava are out of reach. However, some felt that Dhurandhar has the potential to go past the Saiyaara figure.

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, “It’s a bit too early. Jab koi toofaan aata hai, toh uska andaaza lagana mushkil ho jaata hai! Now, it has got an open run. Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 is not a major opposition, aimed at a different audience. Now, the word of mouth has come into play for this film. This film is a blockbuster. There’s no stopping it.”

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, answered, “Chhaava is out of reach because it managed to put more than Rs. 500 crores. That would be a big ask, though I would love it if Dhurandhar crosses the Rs. 500 crore mark. But realistically speaking, I think Saiyaara’s lifetime is in sight.”

He explained, “Chhaava overperformed in Maharashtra, while in the other states, it did hit-to-super hit business. The issue with Dhurandhar is that it would be shunned by families and kids. The male audience, however, will patronize it and many of them will also watch it more than once in cinemas. Also, it’ll depend on Avatar: Fire And Ash. If by chance, Avatar is weak, then Dhurandhar would collect Rs. 400-450 crores.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal was cautious as he said, “It’s too early to say. I would not like to compare it with any other film. But the way it’s growing, I feel it’ll collect Rs. 250-300 crores organically. If it doesn’t stop and continues to thrive, it can go anywhere.”

Girish Johar, producer and eminent film business analyst, said, “Rs. 300 crores lifetime looks possible. Chhaava is definitely out of reach. It had a lot of family and emotional connect. Meanwhile, Dhurandhar is gorier.”

Lastly, trade analyst Atul Mohan opined, “Yes, it can cross Saiyaara. Dhurandhar has a strong patriotic sentiment and it is quite talked about. People in Pakistan are also watching it. It’s important that movie ke baare mein log baat kar rahe hai.”

Also Read: Aditya Dhar responds to Hrithik Roshan’s Dhurandhar review: “Your appreciation is a huge boost for the whole team”