Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster Dhurandhar, which has reportedly grossed over ₹30 billion (₹3,000 crore) worldwide, has suffered a disappointing start in Japan, failing to attract moviegoers despite its massive global success.
The film was released across 80 locations in Japan on July 10, but managed to draw only around 900 viewers on its opening day, highlighting a surprisingly weak response from Japanese audiences.
The lackluster debut is particularly notable because Japan has traditionally been one of the most receptive overseas markets for Indian cinema. Over the years, several Indian films have enjoyed remarkable popularity in the country, building a loyal fan base among Japanese moviegoers.
However, Dhurandhar has failed to replicate that success and did not even secure a place among the Top 10 highest-opening Indian films in Japan.
Among the biggest Indian hits in the Japanese market are 3 Idiots, English Vinglish, Baahubali, and RRR, all of which received strong audience support. RRR continues to hold the record for the biggest opening day by an Indian film in Japan, attracting approximately 8,230 viewers on its first day. The film later became a cultural phenomenon in the country, enjoying an extended theatrical run and earning critical acclaim.
Industry analysts say Japanese audiences tend to favor Indian films that combine compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and strong word-of-mouth. While Dhurandhar has performed exceptionally well in several international markets, its slow start in Japan suggests that global box office success does not always translate into popularity across every region.
Whether the film can recover through positive audience reviews in the coming days remains to be seen, but its opening performance has already made it one of the rare recent Indian blockbusters to struggle in Japan despite a record-breaking worldwide box office run.