James Cameron’s highly anticipated sci-fi epic, Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the groundbreaking Avatar franchise, opened to a mixed response at the Indian box office. Released on December 19, 2025, the film collected approximately ₹20.05 crore nett on its first day, marking the fourth biggest Hollywood opening in India post-Covid and the highest of 2025. However, it struggled to maintain momentum on day two, earning around ₹22.35 crore nett, bringing the two-day total to ₹41.05 crore nett. Some reports peg the two-day gross at ₹48 crore, with projections for the opening weekend hovering between ₹60-75 crore gross.
The film’s performance in India has been hampered by fierce competition from the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar, which continues to dominate the domestic market. Entering its third week, Dhurandhar raked in an estimated ₹40 crore gross on Saturday alone, pushing its total past ₹500 crore. Box office analysts note that Avatar: Fire and Ash failed to deliver a significant Saturday jump, a crucial indicator for weekend success, as audiences flock to the homegrown juggernaut. In key regions like Tamil Nadu, the film earned ₹3.85 crore on day one and ₹5.05 crore on day two, totaling ₹8.90 crore gross, while in Kerala, it managed ₹2.50 crore over two days.
This opening is a notable 55% drop from its predecessor, Avatar: The Way of Water, which amassed a massive ₹127 crore nett in its first weekend in India back in 2022. Despite strong occupancy in premium formats like IMAX and 3D, where the film’s visual spectacle shines, the lack of a decisive surge suggests challenges in sustaining interest amid local competition. Industry observers, including those on X (formerly Twitter), have labeled the performance as “strictly average,” with some predicting a flop in the Indian market if trends continue.
Globally, however, Avatar: Fire and Ash is faring much better, igniting the holiday box office with a strong start. The film grossed $136.9 million worldwide on its opening day, including $36.5 million in North America (with previews) and a staggering $100.4 million from international markets, led by China with $17 million. Projections for the global opening weekend stand at $340-350 million, with North America expected to contribute $88-90 million despite a 24% drop from Friday to Saturday. Audience reception remains positive, with a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, potentially fueling legs through the holiday season.
Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and newcomers like Oona Chaplin, the film continues the saga on Pandora, exploring themes of fire and ash in a visually stunning narrative. While it has crossed the ₹50 crore gross mark in India within two days, its trajectory raises questions about Hollywood’s appeal in a market increasingly favoring local blockbusters. As the weekend unfolds, all eyes are on whether Avatar: Fire and Ash can rebound or if Dhurandhar will maintain its reign.