December Becomes Third Highest-Grossing Month Post-Pandemic, Thanks to Two Blockbuster Films

The storm that the box office had been waiting for since the start of 2025 finally arrived in December. With just two films dominating theatres, December has emerged as the third highest-grossing month post-pandemic. Exhibitors are now sharing their insights into the phenomenal success of these releases.

December Post-Pandemic Box Office Surge
Reports confirm that December 2025 was a spectacular month for cinemas, marking a revival of the festive buzz akin to the releases of hits like Animal, Pathaan, and Jawan. Interestingly, this surge was not driven by Christmas releases but by films released earlier in the month.

‘Dhurandhar’ Crosses ₹800 Crore in December Alone
Exhibitors say that the two films contributed to the month’s success in different ways. Dhurandhar, an A-rated film, became a massive hit, crossing ₹800 crore in December alone. The film’s earnings were staggering: it opened with ₹28 crore on day one, doubled by day three, and went on to achieve record collections of ₹53 crore and ₹58 crore on days nine and ten.

Box Office Overview: ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Sets Global Records
The second blockbuster, Avatar: Fire and Ash, also broke worldwide records. Released in IMAX and all premium formats—including ICE, 4DX, MX4D, and ScreenX—the film made the last days of December particularly special for family audiences.

Record Footfall in Theatres
Together, Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire and Ash drew record numbers of viewers in December. Advance bookings surged across multiplex chains. PVR INOX Limited Managing Director Ajay Bijli remarked, “We are seeing renewed enthusiasm among young audiences, especially Generation Z, who are increasingly embracing cinemas as both an entertainment and social destination.”

December Among the Most Successful Months of the Year
While audiences were mixed, Dhurandhar appealed to all age groups despite its A-rating, drawing viewers from Generation Z, millennials, and older demographics. Bhavanesh Mendiratta, Managing Director of Miraj Entertainment Limited, said, “December’s performance was no coincidence. Films like Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire and Ash made December one of the most successful months of the year. Our expectations have been fully validated.”

The True Triumph of ‘Dhurandhar’
Exhibitors emphasize that Dhurandhar’s real success lies not in its opening but in its sustained performance. Bhavanesh explained, “Released on 5 December, the film had a modest start but gained tremendous momentum over the following weeks. This consistent performance made December one of the most profitable months, with a large portion of revenue coming from a single film.”

Turning Expectations Upside Down
Raj Bansal, owner of Entertainment Paradise Cinema, echoed this sentiment, noting that single-screen theatres nationwide dedicated almost all shows to Dhurandhar. The film completely exceeded expectations, bringing life and energy back to cinemas across the country.