Avatar: Fire and Ash Falters in Box Office Race Against Indian Blockbuster

The latest chapter in James Cameron’s epic saga has completed its first weekend. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” opened in Indian theaters on December 19. It earned an estimated ₹65.43 crore over its first three days.

These numbers are solid but fall short of its predecessor. The film now faces a surprising and formidable challenger. The domestic hit “Dhurandhar” continues to dominate screens in its third week.

A Slower Start Compared to Franchise History

The new film’s collection shows a clear dip. According to industry tracking, it earned ₹19 crore on Friday. Saturday saw a rise to ₹22 crore. Sunday’s estimates reached approximately ₹24.18 crore.

This performance pales next to “Avatar: The Way of Water.” That film had crossed the ₹100 crore mark in India by its third day. It earned a massive ₹126.20 crore in its opening weekend alone.

The comparison highlights a shifting market. Audiences may be experiencing visual fatigue. The novelty of the franchise’s groundbreaking CGI might be wearing thin.

Unexpected Competition from Local Giant

The real story is the intense competition. “Dhurandhar,” directed by Aditya Dhar, is in its third week. It shows astonishing staying power. On its 17th day, it crossed the ₹545 crore mark in India.

This performance threatens “Fire and Ash” directly. “Dhurandhar” is on track to enter India’s all-time top ten earners list. Its success demonstrates the power of resonant local storytelling.

The clash underscores a global trend. Regional cinema is capturing massive audience share. Hollywood spectacles can no longer expect clear, unchallenged runs.

The opening weekend confirms “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is facing headwinds. While a visual feat, its narrative and local competition have impacted its initial box office trajectory. The battle for screen dominance is fiercer than ever.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How much did Avatar: Fire and Ash earn on opening day?

The film earned an estimated ₹19 crore on its first Friday in India. This is a softer start compared to previous franchise installments. Figures are based on early industry estimates.

Q2: Is it performing worse than The Way of Water?

Yes, its opening is significantly lower. “The Way of Water” earned over ₹126 crore in its first three days. “Fire and Ash” has collected approximately ₹65 crore in the same period.

Q3: What film is challenging it in India?

The Indian blockbuster “Dhurandhar” is the main competitor. It has earned over ₹545 crore in 17 days. Its sustained popularity is cutting into the Avatar film’s potential audience.

Q4: When are the next Avatar movies scheduled?

The fourth film is scheduled for December 21, 2029. Avatar 5 is slated for release on December 19, 2031. This plan was confirmed by trade publication Variety.

Q5: Why is its box office collection lower?

Several factors are likely at play. Strong local competition and franchise fatigue are key reasons. Some critics also noted a weaker storyline in early reviews.