Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has weighed in on the upcoming release calendar, expressing concern that Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic could end up hurting each other’s box office prospects if they arrive too close together.
Speaking about the crowded release window, Gupta remarked that audiences have limited time and disposable income, especially when it comes to big-ticket theatrical outings. According to him, expecting viewers to turn up for two major films within a short span may not be realistic.
“People can’t watch two films in a month,” he said, pointing out that even strong titles can suffer when they compete for the same audience base. He added that when similar-scale projects release back-to-back, they tend to “eat into each other’s business,” impacting overall collections.
Industry observers note that both films are positioned as large-scale entertainers, likely targeting overlapping demographics. In such cases, advance bookings, word-of-mouth momentum, and release timing play a crucial role in determining which project secures a stronger hold at the box office.
Gupta’s comments have reignited the ongoing debate around strategic release planning in Bollywood, where high-budget films frequently jostle for prime dates. With theatrical revenues still highly dependent on opening-week performance, even a slight overlap can significantly affect lifetime earnings.
Whether the makers reconsider their release plans remains to be seen, but Gupta’s remarks underscore a familiar industry concern: in a competitive market, timing can be just as critical as content.
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