Mumbai, India | December 18, 2025
James Cameron’s long-awaited sci-fi spectacle Avatar: Fire and Ash (Avatar 3) is set for a massive theatrical release across India on December 19, 2025, and its arrival is already reshaping the Bollywood box office landscape during the crucial festive season.
Releasing in **six languages—English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada—**and in premium formats including IMAX 3D and 4DX, Avatar: Fire and Ash has recorded strong advance bookings. Trade projections estimate an opening day of ₹30–35 crore, positioning it as Hollywood’s biggest opener of 2025 in India, though slightly below the record-breaking opening of Avatar: The Way of Water.
Direct Clash with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar
The most immediate impact is on Bollywood’s reigning blockbuster Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar. Released on December 5, the spy action thriller has amassed ₹450+ crore net in India and ₹600–700 crore worldwide within just 13 days, with lifetime projections nearing ₹1,000 crore.
While Dhurandhar remains rock-solid in single screens and mass belts of North India, Avatar: Fire and Ash is expected to dominate urban multiplexes and premium large formats, leading to a reduction in screens and showtimes for the Hindi blockbuster. The film recorded its first marginal dip on Day 13, a day ahead of Avatar’s release, signaling the beginning of screen-sharing pressure.
Bollywood Films Postponed Due to Avatar Effect
One of the most visible consequences of Avatar’s arrival is the postponement of Maddock Films’ patriotic war drama Ikkis. Originally scheduled for December 25, the film—starring Agastya Nanda in his theatrical debut and featuring Dharmendra in his final on-screen role—has been pushed to January 1, 2026.
Producers cited the dual dominance of Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire and Ash as the key reason. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh described the move as “strategically smart,” noting how similar date shifts in the past helped films avoid being overshadowed by mega releases.
Pressure on Christmas 2025 Releases
The upcoming romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, is still slated for December 25. However, exhibitors expect limited screen availability, particularly in multiplex chains prioritizing Avatar’s premium format demand. Despite this, industry insiders believe the film’s light-hearted, family-friendly genre could allow it to coexist with Avatar’s spectacle-driven audience.
Positive Ripple Effect on Theatrical Business
Despite competitive pressure, Avatar’s release is widely seen as a net positive for the exhibition sector. The film is driving massive footfalls, premium ticket pricing, and strong advance sales, benefiting multiplex operators like PVR Inox, whose stocks have reacted positively to the booking momentum.
Exhibitors, including Miraj Entertainment, predict December 2025 will become the highest-grossing month of the year, powered jointly by Dhurandhar’s unprecedented run and Avatar: Fire and Ash’s global pull.
A Blockbuster-Fueled Festive Season
In summary, Avatar: Fire and Ash is forcing Bollywood to make strategic scheduling decisions, influencing screen allocation, postponements, and box office dynamics. While it presents challenges for Hindi releases, it also ensures a record-breaking festive season, reinforcing India’s appetite for both large-scale Hollywood spectacles and homegrown blockbusters.
