- Around 500 theatres across India cancelled Dhurandhar 2 shows due to delayed KDM delivery.
- Mumbai exhibitor Manoj Desai publicly criticised the makers for poor coordination.
- Despite disruptions, the film continues to perform strongly at the box office.
Dhurandhar 2 Release Marred by Nationwide Show Cancellations
The release of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2026, encountered major setbacks on its preview day after shows were abruptly cancelled in theatres across the country. The issue, which affected nearly 500 cinema halls, has sparked criticism from exhibitors and disappointment among moviegoers.
The film, which had generated massive buzz ahead of its global debut, was scheduled for paid previews on March 18 before its official release a day later. However, several screenings could not go ahead as planned, leading to confusion and frustration among audiences.
KDM Delay Identified as Root Cause
The primary reason behind the widespread cancellations was the delayed delivery of the Key Delivery Message (KDM), a crucial digital key required to unlock and screen films in theatres. Without this encrypted file, exhibitors are unable to play the movie, regardless of audience demand.
Reports indicate that the KDM was either delivered late or not provided at all in several regions, forcing theatres to cancel scheduled shows. In some cases, the required access reportedly arrived hours after the intended screening time, rendering it useless for the affected slots.
Mumbai Theatre Owner Voices Strong Criticism
Prominent Mumbai exhibitor Manoj Desai, who operates iconic cinema halls, openly criticised the film’s producers for the mismanagement. He revealed that the disruption was not limited to a handful of venues but impacted hundreds of theatres nationwide.
Desai also expressed concern over the lack of communication from the production team during the crisis, stating that exhibitors were left without clarity as audiences waited for shows that never began. The incident triggered refund demands and added pressure on theatre owners to manage crowd dissatisfaction.
Regional Screenings and Dubbed Versions Also Affected
The disruption extended beyond Hindi screenings, with several regional language versions—including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam—facing cancellations or delays. This further amplified the scale of the issue, especially in southern markets where the film had significant pre-release demand.
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