Toxic vs Dhurandhar 2: Yash's Film Wins Big with Record-Breaking Overseas Deal
In a groundbreaking move for Indian cinema, Yash's upcoming period gangster film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has secured a historic overseas distribution deal worth Rs 105 crore. This deal, struck with Phars Film, a leading exhibition and distribution company in the Gulf, positions the film strongly against Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2, which is set for a simultaneous release on March 19 but faces challenges in the Middle East.
Unprecedented Deal Details and Global Strategy
The agreement between Yash's Monster Mind Creations, KVN Productions, and Phars Film is notable for its exclusivity. It covers only the native Kannada version of Toxic, along with dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, while the English version rights are reserved for another international distributor. This focus on regional languages, combined with the film's simultaneous shooting in Kannada and English, aims to cater to global audiences, including markets like Japan, China, and Nepal.
Yash's previous success with KGF: Chapter 2, which grossed Rs 1250 crore worldwide and ranks as the sixth highest-grossing Indian film globally, has bolstered confidence in Toxic. The new deal underscores his star power and the film's anticipated appeal across diverse regions.
Middle East Dominance and Dhurandhar 2's Setback
Phars Film, founded in 1964 in Dubai, is a key player in the Gulf's cinematic landscape, distributing over 350 films annually and operating the largest network in the Middle East. This partnership ensures Toxic will receive a wide release in Gulf countries, where Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 previously earned around Rs 68.50 crore in the UAE alone.
In contrast, Dhurandhar 2 is likely to be a no-show in the Gulf due to political sensitivities. The first film, starring Ranveer Singh, faced a ban in the region because of its anti-Pakistan themes, resulting in an estimated loss of $10 million (Rs 90 crore) in revenue. Despite trending on Netflix in the Middle East, the sequel is expected to miss theatrical releases there, giving Toxic a significant competitive edge.
Telugu Market Acquisition and Domestic Clout
Back in India, Toxic has further strengthened its position with a massive Rs 120 crore distribution deal for the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, secured with Dil Raju's Sri Venkateswara Creations. This marks the largest deal for a non-Telugu film in these regions, surpassing the Telugu version earnings of KGF: Chapter 2, which brought in Rs 114.90 crore domestically.
While Dhurandhar became the highest-grossing Indian film at the domestic box office, it did not release in a dubbed Telugu version. The sequel aims to rectify this by releasing in five Indian languages, but Ranveer Singh's pan-India appeal remains untested compared to Yash's established track record.
Release Window and Box Office Prospects
Both Toxic and Dhurandhar 2 are targeting a lucrative release period coinciding with festivals like Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid. With pre-release heft totaling Rs 225 crore, the March 19 showdown promises to be a major box office battle. However, Toxic's strategic deals and Yash's global fanbase position it favorably, especially in overseas markets where Dhurandhar 2 faces limitations.
This development highlights shifting dynamics in Indian cinema, where regional stars and targeted distribution strategies are increasingly influencing global success. As the industry watches closely, Toxic appears set to rewrite trade history with its record-breaking deals and competitive advantages.
