Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is set to release in Japan on February 13, 2026, nearly two years after its original debut. With worldwide earnings already at ₹915 crore, the Japan release could push the film past the coveted ₹1000 crore mark, intensifying its box-office rivalry with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar.
Bollywood’s box-office battle is heating up again as Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal prepares for a fresh theatrical run in Japan. The film, which originally released in December 2023, stunned audiences with its gritty action and emotional depth, becoming one of India’s highest-grossing films. Now, its international expansion aims to reignite momentum and challenge Dhurandhar, the latest blockbuster storming global charts.
Key Highlights
• Notable Update: Animal will release in Japanese theatres on February 13, 2026, marking a significant push into a market increasingly receptive to Indian cinema
• Major Takeaway: The film has already grossed ₹553 crore in India and ₹915 crore worldwide. The Japan release could help it cross the ₹1000 crore milestone, a feat only a handful of Indian films have achieved
• Important Point: Animal was previously ranked the 9th highest-grossing Indian film of all time, but Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar has recently overtaken it, earning ₹900+ crore globally and racing toward the same ₹1000 crore benchmark
• Critical Insight: Producers Bhadrakali Films promoted the Japan release with a striking poster and tagline: “Kono otoko wa Darenimo Tomerarenai🔥” (“This man cannot be stopped”), signaling confidence in the film’s universal appeal
• Structural Shift: The Japan release underscores a growing trend of Indian films finding traction abroad, particularly in East Asia, where audiences are increasingly embracing Bollywood’s larger-than-life storytelling
Why It Matters
The duel between Animal and Dhurandhar is more than a numbers game—it reflects the global rise of Indian cinema. With Japan emerging as a new frontier, the success of Animal could set a precedent for more Bollywood films to expand aggressively into international markets. For audiences, it means greater access to diverse cinematic experiences, while for the industry, it signals a new era of global competitiveness.
Sources: Filmfare, Hindustan Times, MensXP, Moneycontrol, DNA India
