Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster brings Bollywood tradition overseas

A Rare Break in Canadian Cinema Culture

March 28, 2026 – The global success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge has sparked an unusual shift in how movies are screened in Canada. Traditionally, Canadian theatres do not include intermissions during films, regardless of runtime. However, this long-standing norm was recently disrupted due to overwhelming demand from audiences watching the nearly four-hour action thriller.

The phenomenon—now dubbed the “Dhurandhar 2 effect”—has seen select screenings introduce a mid-film interval, something rarely experienced by Canadian moviegoers.

Image Credit: B62 Studios

Why the Film Needed an Interval

Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, the film has an unusually long runtime of around 229 minutes, making it one of the lengthiest Indian films in recent years.

Given its duration and intense pacing, audiences reportedly requested a break during screenings. In response, at least one major Canadian theatre chain introduced a roughly 15-minute intermission—reviving a format that had largely disappeared from Western cinema decades ago.

Bollywood Tradition Meets Western Viewing Habits

In India, intermissions are a standard part of the theatrical experience, especially for longer films. They allow audiences to pause, discuss the story, and refresh before the second half.

However, in countries like Canada, films are typically screened without interruption, even when runtimes exceed three hours. The decision to add an interval for Dhurandhar: The Revenge represents a rare cultural crossover—bringing a distinctly Indian cinematic tradition into a Western exhibition model.

Audience Reactions Go Viral

The move quickly gained traction online, with videos of Canadian audiences reacting to the intermission circulating widely on social media. Many viewers expressed surprise—and even excitement—at experiencing something new.

Some longtime residents noted that they had never seen an intermission in Canadian theatres before, making the moment feel both novel and nostalgic. The break reportedly created a more communal atmosphere, with audiences chatting and sharing reactions mid-film.

A Sign of Indian Cinema’s Global Influence

The “Dhurandhar 2 effect” highlights the growing global influence of Indian cinema. As Bollywood films expand their reach and attract international audiences, they are not only exporting stories but also reshaping viewing experiences.

The success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge—both commercially and culturally—demonstrates how audience demand can influence even long-established industry practices.

Image Credit: B62 Studios

A Blockbuster Driving Change

The film’s massive box office performance has played a key role in this shift. With record-breaking earnings and widespread anticipation, theatres have been more willing to adapt their formats to accommodate audience preferences.

This flexibility reflects a broader trend in global cinema, where exhibitors are increasingly responsive to audience behavior—especially for major releases with high demand.

Could Intermissions Return Globally?

While it’s unlikely that intermissions will become standard in Western cinemas overnight, the success of this experiment raises interesting questions. For particularly long films, breaks could enhance comfort and engagement, especially for audiences unfamiliar with extended runtimes.

The response to Dhurandhar: The Revenge suggests there may be room for more flexible screening formats in the future, particularly as global film cultures continue to intersect.

Image Credit: B62 Studios

A Cultural Moment Beyond the Screen

Beyond its box office success, the film has created a cultural moment—one that goes beyond storytelling and into the experience of watching cinema itself.

By prompting Canadian theatres to rethink a long-standing rule, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has demonstrated the power of audience demand and the evolving nature of global entertainment.

Final Thoughts

The “Dhurandhar 2 effect” is more than just a quirky headline—it’s a reflection of how cinema is becoming increasingly global and adaptable. As films travel across borders, they bring with them not just stories, but traditions and expectations that can reshape the viewing experience.

In this case, a Bollywood blockbuster didn’t just entertain audiences—it changed how they watched the movie itself. And that’s a rare kind of impact that speaks volumes about the film’s reach and influence.

FAQs

Q1: What is the ‘Dhurandhar 2 effect’?
It refers to Canadian theatres introducing an intermission during screenings of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, breaking their usual no-interval rule.

Q2: Why was an interval added?
The film’s long runtime and audience demand led theatres to include a break for comfort.

Q3: Are intermissions common in Canada?
No, most Canadian cinemas do not include intermissions, making this a rare occurrence.

Q4: Is this common in India?
Yes, intermissions are a standard part of Indian cinema, especially for longer films.

Q5: Will other films adopt this format?
It’s unclear, but the success of this experiment could influence future screenings of long films.