‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ Anchors India’s Strongest Post-Pandemic First Half at the Box Office
India’s local box office closed the first six months of 2026 at INR6,398 crore ($664.7 million), the highest-grossing first half of any year since the pandemic, according to a new report from Ormax Media. The figure, which does not include global collections, surpasses the same p
The Indian box office has made a remarkable comeback post-pandemic, with the first half of 2026 witnessing a record-breaking INR6,398 crore ($664.7 million) in domestic collections. This impressive figure is a testament to the resilience of the Indian film industry, which was severely impacted by the pandemic. The success of films like ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ has played a significant role in driving this growth, indicating a renewed appetite for Bollywood content.
The Ormax Media report highlights a significant rebound in audience engagement with cinema, which had been severely disrupted due to lockdowns and shifting consumer behavior. The fact that this figure only accounts for domestic collections and not global ones underscores the potential for even greater growth. As the industry continues to adapt to changing viewer preferences and technological advancements, it's clear that Indian cinema remains a vibrant and lucrative market.
As we look ahead to the second half of 2026, all eyes will be on whether this momentum can be sustained. Key factors to watch include the performance of upcoming releases, particularly in the crucial festival seasons, and how well established franchises can continue to draw audiences. Additionally, the impact of streaming services on box office performance will be an important trend to monitor, as the lines between traditional cinema and digital entertainment continue to blur.
Originally reported by variety.com. NewsAbroad adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.