With Dhurandhar: The Revenge hitting cinemas on March 19, 2026, the film is already dominating conversation across the trade for its advance momentum and franchise pull. But days before release, the bigger flashpoint has shifted from buzz to bargaining power, as single-screen exhibitors across markets discuss a commitment clause they say they rarely see at this scale.
The Latest Update: A Six-Week All-Shows Demand For Single Screens
The key development is straightforward and explosive. Jio Studios has sought a six-week commitment from single-screen theatres for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, asking exhibitors to allot all shows to the film and not indulge in show-sharing. A trade source is quoted as saying, “In an unprecedented move, Jio has asked for all shows in the single screen theatres, that too for six weeks. Asking for all shows is common, but usually, the distributors make such demand for 2 or a maximum of 3 weeks. Hence, the demand for six weeks has never been heard before.”
The same source further added that the team is “categorically clear” about the no show-sharing condition, a clause that directly squeezes April’s release calendar. The immediate title caught in the crossfire is Bhooth Bangla, which is scheduled to release on April 10, 2026. If the six-week lock holds, many single screens would have no room to accommodate the Akshay Kumar starrer during its crucial opening weeks.
Exhibitors, meanwhile, are caught between the certainty of Dhurandhar: The Revenge’s footfalls and the business reality of keeping relationships intact with other major banners and distributors. One exhibitor, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that while they are keen to screen Dhurandhar: The Revenge, they also want to make space for Bhooth Bangla, given the involvement of Akshay Kumar, director Priyadarshan, producer Ekta Kapoor and distributor Pen Marudhar.
Why Raja Shivaji Extends The Squeeze To Eight Weeks
The ask does not end after six weeks. As per the same trade chatter, Jio Studios has also sought all shows for two weeks for its next release, Raja Shivaji, which arrives on May 1, 2026. The calendar placement is significant, because May 1 falls exactly six weeks after March 19, effectively extending single-screen dominance across an eight-week corridor spanning two Jio-backed releases.
Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi framed the larger situation as part of the regular weekly tug-of-war between distributors and exhibitors, saying, “Commercial negotiations between distributors and exhibitors are a weekly affair… Eventually, they need to realize that the exhibitors, like the studio, are playing on the same side and are striving to bring the audiences in the theatres in big numbers to maximize the revenues. So, we need to work as a team, rather than against each other.”
The Films Involved: What We Know So Far
Dhurandhar: The Revenge is written, directed and produced by Aditya Dhar and backed by Jio Studios, with Jyoti Deshpande producing alongside B62 Studios. The cast includes Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. Paid previews are slated for March 18, 2026, followed by the worldwide release on March 19, 2026.
Bhooth Bangla is a horror comedy led by Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan, reuniting the pair on a feature after a long gap. The film also stars Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi and is scheduled for an April 10, 2026 theatrical release.
Raja Shivaji is a historical film releasing May 1, 2026, directed by Riteish Deshmukh, who also stars as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Its ensemble includes Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Genelia Deshmukh, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar and Amole Gupte, with Salman Khan announced for a cameo.
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