Toxic bows out of March clash
OB Bureau
The box office battle everyone was gearing up for has suddenly turned into a solo race. And for Kannada superstar Yash’s much-awaited Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, the twist might just be a blessing in disguise.
Originally scheduled to clash with Ranveer Singh’s big-ticket spy sequel Dhurandhar 2 on March 19, Toxic has now moved its release to June 4. The decision, announced by the film’s makers, comes in the wake of escalating tensions in West Asia that could impact overseas earnings, particularly in the Gulf market.
For exhibitors and trade insiders, the shift is a smart move. Industry observers note that when two major films release at the same time, audiences tend to split between them, resulting in fewer shows for each title and a division in ticket sales. Estimates within the trade suggest that such a clash could have led to losses of up to Rs 150 crore across the industry.
With Toxic stepping aside, both films now enjoy clear windows. For the exhibition sector, that means breathing space. Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR INOX Pictures, said avoiding the clash is ultimately a “win-win situation” for everyone involved.
The Middle East market, a key territory for big-ticket Indian films, was a major factor behind the decision. With geopolitical tensions threatening collections in that region, the makers of Toxic opted for a strategic delay rather than risking a compromised global opening.
While Dhurandhar 2 now takes the March 19 slot uncontested, Toxic is expected to anchor the summer box office window, giving Yash’s film a powerful launchpad when it arrives in June.
Trade insiders believe the change could significantly boost both films’ prospects. Instead of sharing over 9,000 screens across India, each film can now dominate 80 to 90% of screens during its release window.
Distributor Raj Bansal believes the separation will allow both films to play to their strengths. Toxic, with Yash at the helm, is expected to command strong traction in southern markets, while Dhurandhar 2 enjoys massive buzz in the north.
The anticipation around Toxic remains high despite the delay. According to exhibitors, once the makers resume their promotional campaign, the film’s buzz is expected to reignite quickly. For now, the unexpected shift has turned what could have been a bruising box office duel into a carefully spaced double event.
And when Toxic finally hits theatres on June 4, the spotlight will firmly belong to Yash and his dark, intriguing cinematic world.