The March 19 mega-clash remains weeks away. However, the overseas box office has already started picking sides. With limited US pre-sales opening in late February, Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups have entered their first competitive round. Currently, the early edge belongs firmly to the spy sequel.
Headlined by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, the high-octane thriller has clocked $33,723 in advance sales as of March 1. According to trade data from Sacnilk, the film has sold 1,953 tickets across 209 shows in 151 theaters. These numbers are expected to surge as the release week approaches.
Dhurandhar 2 Capitalizes on Franchise Power
The first installment of this spy franchise was a global juggernaut. It grossed over ₹1300 crore worldwide. Additionally, it earned a massive $21 million in the US and Canada alone. The sequel was shot simultaneously with the original. Consequently, the narrative continuity is driving intense fan curiosity.
In this second chapter, Ranveer Singh reprises his role as Hamza (Jaskirat Singh Rangi). The film features a sprawling ensemble including Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt. Moreover, reports suggest the film boasts a massive runtime of nearly 235 minutes. This expansive storytelling aims to set a new benchmark for Indian action cinema.
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Yash’s Toxic Eyes a Slow and Steady Growth
In contrast, Yash’s Toxic has begun its overseas journey on a more limited note. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the action drama has opened 122 shows in 81 US theaters. So far, it has collected $3,665 from 189 tickets sold for premiere screenings.
However, trade insiders suggest the comparison might be premature. Toxic has not yet rolled out its full show slate in North America. Screen counts will likely expand significantly in the coming days. Yash’s previous blockbuster, KGF: Chapter 2, grossed nearly $7 million in North America. Therefore, his massive popularity makes this a highly unpredictable showdown.
Two Superstars and a High-Stakes Showdown
The battle on March 19 is not just about numbers. It is a clash of two distinct genres. While Dhurandhar 2 continues its grounded espionage narrative, Toxic promises a stylized, violent fairytale. Yash’s film features a stellar cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, and Huma Qureshi.
Interestingly, while Ranveer Singh leads the US pre-sales, Yash dominates digital interest. On platforms like BookMyShow, Toxic has garnered over 485,000 “Interested” clicks, far outstripping his rival. This suggests that while the US market favors the established franchise, the domestic Indian market is leaning toward the “Rocking Star.”