Fans had booked their tickets well in advance for the highly awaited Dhurandhar: The Revenge paid preview shows. However, it led to disappointment as the dubbed versions faced technical glitches and shows were cancelled. Now, the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions have received CBFC clearance with an A certificate. Dhurandhar 2 dubbed versions get CBFC clearance According to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) website, the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions have now been certified. The Kannada version’s certificate, however, had not been uploaded at the time of writing. All three approved versions received certification on March 19 and have a runtime of 231.38 minutes (3 hours and 51 minutes), slightly longer than the Hindi cut, which runs for 229.6 minutes (3 hours and 49 minutes). Like the original, the dubbed versions have been given an ‘A’ certificate. The official synopsis on the CBFC website reads: “After the death of Rehman Dakait, Indian agent Jaskirat Singh Rangi, a.k.a. Hamza Ali Mazari, begins plotting his rise in the gangster-terror-political network of Pakistan in order to bring India’s enemies to justice.” Fans of Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar: The Revenge faced disappointment on Wednesday (March 18) as paid preview shows in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana were reportedly cancelled just hours before their scheduled start. Reports suggest that the cancellations primarily affected regional dubbed versions and select international screenings, where the required print files failed to arrive in time. The much anticipated paid previews faced widespread disruption across India, with major chaos reported in Mumbai as well. Dhurandhar 2 box office Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh as an undercover spy in Pakistan, has broken many records to deliver one of the biggest openings in Indian cinema, with estimated earnings of over Rs 100 crore on the first day of its release. The film earned over Rs 43 crore from paid previews on Wednesday, the highest ever for an Indian film, and Rs 102.55 crore on its opening day on Thursday, bringing its total India earnings to around Rs 145 crore. The sequel charts Mazari’s rise in the Karachi underworld while tracing the origins of the man behind the cover. Actors R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi also feature in the sequel.
20 March,2026 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has heaped high praise on Aditya Dhar’s much-anticipated film Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, calling it a game-changing cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of Indian filmmaking. After watching the film ahead of its release, Varma took to social media to express his admiration for both the scale and execution of the project. Ram Gopal Varma praises Dhurandhar 2 Sharing his first reaction, Varma described the film as nothing short of extraordinary. “This is the birth of a new cinematic order,” he wrote, emphasizing that the film redefines storytelling and spectacle in Indian cinema. He went on to make a striking comparison, saying the movie’s grandeur makes even classics look smaller in scale. “It will make films from Mughal-e-Azam onwards look like TV serials,” he remarked, underlining the sheer magnitude of the production. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, is the second installment in the Dhurandhar franchise. Known for its high-octane action and patriotic themes, the sequel builds on the narrative of the first part while expanding its scale and intensity. Varma also praised Dhar’s vision and ambition, crediting him for crafting a film that stands apart from conventional Bollywood offerings. According to the veteran director, Dhurandhar 2 is not just about action but also about presenting a larger-than-life cinematic experience that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. Interestingly, Varma acknowledged that such films might divide opinion, but he believes that Dhar has made a conscious effort to create something impactful. He noted that filmmakers are often influenced by what they have seen before, adding, “All filmmakers will go back to something they’ve seen… they’re bound to be influenced.” All about the buzz The buzz around Dhurandhar 2 has been steadily growing, with industry insiders and audiences alike eagerly awaiting its release. With its ensemble cast, large-scale production, and strong word-of-mouth even before hitting theatres, the film is being seen as one of the biggest releases of the year. Varma’s glowing endorsement has only added to the anticipation, positioning the film as a potential landmark in Indian cinema. As excitement builds, all eyes are now on how Dhurandhar 2 performs both critically and commercially upon its release.
20 March,2026 08:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Ranvir Shorey has come out in strong support of Gaurav Gera, calling him an “underrated” talent following the praise his performance in Dhurandhar 2 has been receiving from audiences. The buzz around Gera’s role in the film has been steadily growing, with viewers appreciating his intense and unrecognisable transformation. Known largely for his comic timing and light-hearted characters, Gera surprised many by stepping into a darker, more layered role in the high-octane sequel. His performance has become one of the film’s talking points, with fans lauding his versatility and screen presence. Ranvir Shorey showers praise for Gaurav Gera Reacting to the appreciation pouring in, Ranvir Shorey took to social media to acknowledge Gera’s work. “He doesn’t get enough credit,” Shorey wrote, highlighting how the actor’s talent has often been overlooked despite consistently strong performances. His statement quickly resonated with fans, many of whom echoed the sentiment online. Gaurav Gera, who plays a key role in Dhurandhar, had earlier surprised audiences with his transformation in the first installment as well. His portrayal of an intense handler marked a significant departure from his comic image, with the actor even staying away from social media to maintain the authenticity of his look and character. In Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, Gera’s character reportedly evolves further, adding depth to the film’s narrative. The sequel, directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, continues the high-stakes spy thriller storyline established in the first film. Fans laud Gaurav Gera's performance Fans have particularly praised how Gera blends subtlety with intensity, delivering a performance that stands out amid a star-studded cast. Social media reactions suggest that many viewers were “blown away” by his transformation, with some even calling it one of the film’s most underrated aspects. Shorey’s endorsement has only amplified the conversation, bringing renewed attention to Gera’s contribution. His remark reflects a broader sentiment within the industry, where actors known for comedy often struggle to be recognised for their dramatic abilities. As Dhurandhar 2 continues to generate buzz, Gaurav Gera’s performance is emerging as a pleasant surprise for audiences. With growing appreciation and support from both fans and peers, the actor’s shift into more serious roles may mark a turning point in his career. For many, Shorey’s words sum it up best—sometimes, it takes one standout performance for an “underrated” actor to finally get their due.
20 March,2026 07:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRanveer Singh has just delivered a historic opening at the Indian box office with his latest outing, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge. While the film is praised for its prolific narrative, a section of the audience and religious leaders are calling it propaganda. Now, actor Prakash Raj, who never minces his words, has slammed actors like Allu Arjun, Mahesh Babu, and Jr NTR, among others, who praised the film. Prakash Raj’s jibe at actors praising Dhurandhar 2 In an X post shared by Prakash Raj, a video shows the radio playing the iconic song Abhi Na Jaao Chhod Kar from Hum Dono (1961), featuring Dev Anand and Sadhana. While sharing the romantic track, he captioned, "Me bahut door (very far away) from Dhurandhar. Are you (sic)?" In another X post, the actor quote-tweeted a post that read, "Dhurandhar 2 has been praised so far by Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda, Jr NTR, Mahesh Babu, and Ram Charan. Any Bollywood star tweeted kya?" The 60-year-old, in his caption, wrote, "Signs of obligations are spreading to South too." Signs of Obligations are spreading South too .. #justasking https://t.co/iB01E1sp7K — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) March 19, 2026 Mahesh Babu lauded Aditya Dhar’s latest directorial Dhurandhar: The Revenge and called it "an explosion executed with perfect precision." Allu Arjun was among the first to watch the second part of director Aditya Dhar’s eagerly awaited action thriller. He showered praise on it, calling it "an Indian story with international swag." About Dhurandhar 2 controversies Despite the controversy, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has made a strong start at the box office. The film has attracted attention not only for the performances but also for the controversies surrounding it. From court petitions and public outrage to debates over its political undertones, Dhurandhar has remained in the headlines. Allegations also emerged from the family of Ashoka Chakra awardee late Major Mohit Sharma, who claimed the film draws heavily from his life and covert operations. Further criticism came from members of the Baloch diaspora, who objected to the portrayal of Baloch characters and insurgent groups. Additionally, critics have argued that the film leans strongly towards nationalist themes, with its depiction of cross-border tensions and intelligence networks being viewed by some as politically charged and propagandist rather than purely cinematic.
20 March,2026 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Oscar-nominated film The Voice of Hind Rajab has run into obstacles in India, with its release reportedly stalled due to concerns over diplomatic ties with Israel. The film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, has received international acclaim for its powerful portrayal of a tragic real-life incident during the Gaza conflict, but its journey in India has hit a roadblock. All about the docu-drama The docudrama recounts the harrowing story of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed in January 2024 while attempting to flee violence in Gaza along with her family. The film reconstructs her final moments, including her desperate calls for help to emergency responders, using real audio recordings to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative. Despite its global recognition and Oscar nomination in the Best International Feature category, the film has not been cleared for theatrical release in India. Reports suggest that concerns were raised about the potential impact of the film on India-Israel relations, which have strengthened in recent years. According to the film’s Indian distributor, the project was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with plans for a March release, timed around the Academy Awards. However, approval has not been granted, effectively stalling its release. The distributor reportedly questioned the reasoning, arguing that a single film would not affect diplomatic ties, highlighting the controversy surrounding the decision. Shashi Tharoor reacts The situation has sparked debate among filmmakers, political figures, and audiences, with many raising concerns about censorship and artistic freedom. Critics argue that cinema should serve as a platform for storytelling and dialogue, especially when it addresses humanitarian crises and real-life tragedies. Shashi Tharoor also reacted to this, sharing, "That’s pretty disgraceful. In a democracy, screening a film is a reflection of our society’s freedom of expression and has nothing to do with government to government relations. This practice of banning films or books because of the offence they might cause to foreign countries must stop immediately. It’s unworthy of a mature democracy." That’s pretty disgraceful. In a democracy, screening a film is a reflection of our society’s freedom of expression and has nothing to do with government to government relations. This practice of banning films or books because of the offence they might cause to foreign countries… https://t.co/bIyYResaUo — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 20, 2026 Internationally, The Voice of Hind Rajab has been widely praised for its emotional storytelling and bold narrative approach. The film has also drawn attention for its use of real-life audio, which amplifies the impact of the story and brings audiences closer to the human cost of conflict. The controversy in India highlights the complex intersection of art, politics, and diplomacy. While the film continues to receive recognition on the global stage, its uncertain fate in India underscores the challenges faced by politically sensitive content in reaching audiences. As discussions continue, the stalled release has only amplified interest in the film, with many now eager to see the story that has sparked both critical acclaim and political debate.
20 March,2026 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran actor Rakesh Bedi has found himself at the center of fresh speculation surrounding Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, after a viral social media post hinted at a possible connection between his character and Uri: The Surgical Strike. Rakesh Bedi's Uri connection with Dhurandhar The buzz began after a post by film commentator Kshitiz Critic went viral on X (formerly Twitter), where users dissected details from the film’s credits and narrative clues. While the original speculation focused on a potential cameo by Yami Gautam, fans quickly began connecting larger dots within director Aditya Dhar’s cinematic universe. According to circulating theories, Dhurandhar 2 may subtly tie into the world of Uri, Dhar’s 2019 blockbuster. Observant fans pointed out narrative overlaps and character references that hint at a shared universe, an idea that has only intensified curiosity around the sequel. Amid this, Rakesh Bedi’s character Jameel Jamali has become a key talking point. Known for playing a shrewd political figure in the franchise, Bedi’s role is expected to grow darker and more layered in the sequel, adding weight to the overarching storyline. Aditya Dhar already gave us the spoiler of #DhurandharTheRevenge in URI 😠pic.twitter.com/dSt6T3631m — KBP Reviews (@KshitizCritic) March 20, 2026 What has particularly intrigued fans is the possibility that certain backstories or plotlines in Dhurandhar 2 could echo elements from Uri. Some believe that character arcs or references, possibly tied to intelligence operations or past missions could bridge the two films in subtle ways. While there is no official confirmation, the speculation suggests a deliberate attempt to build a larger narrative universe. All about Dhurandhar 2 The excitement surrounding these theories reflects the growing trend of interconnected storytelling in Indian cinema. If true, this connection would mark a significant move by Aditya Dhar to expand his creative canvas beyond standalone films. Meanwhile, Dhurandhar 2, led by Ranveer Singh, continues to generate massive buzz with its release. The film, a high-octane spy thriller, features an ensemble cast and promises to elevate the scale set by its predecessor. While neither the makers nor the cast have addressed these theories, the viral post has successfully ignited fan discussions online. For now, audiences will have to wait and watch if these connections are real or just clever fan interpretations. Either way, the conversation around Rakesh Bedi’s role and its possible Uri link has added an extra layer of intrigue to one of the year’s most anticipated films.
20 March,2026 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA controversy has erupted around the recently released song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt. Several complaints were filed, and even summons were issued against the makers. Now, a fatwa has been issued against actor-performer Nora Fatehi over the controversial song and its lyrics, which caused an uproar. Fatwa issued against Nora Fatehi The religious body, the Muslim Personal Darul Ifta in Aligarh, issued the fatwa against Nora after the song began receiving backlash online for its lyrics. According to the religious body, the track contains content that they consider objectionable and against Islamic teachings. Meanwhile, the Union government, on Wednesday, confirmed that the song has been banned following widespread criticism over its lyrics and visuals. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision in the Lok Sabha while responding to a question raised by Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadouria. About Sarke Chunar song controversy The song has been facing backlash since its release earlier this week. Some organisations also demanded action against the people involved with the track. Critics alleged that the track contained "vulgar" lyrics and visuals that objectified women. The backlash quickly escalated, with several individuals and organisations calling for action against the creators of the song. Complaints were filed demanding an FIR and the removal of the track from circulation, intensifying public debate just days before the matter was raised in Parliament. On Wednesday, Nora, in a detailed video that she shared on Instagram, claimed that she had no role in the Hindi version of the song. She further stated that when the makers explained the translation of the song to her at the time, nothing seemed "inappropriate" or "vulgar." However, she clarified that she does not understand Kannada and had relied entirely on what the team told her. About KD: The Devil Produced by Venkat K Narayana under KVN Productions and presented by the same banner, KD: The Devil is a period action entertainer inspired by real events from 1970s Bangalore. The movie features Dhruva Sarja in the titular role, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, and V Ravichandran. It is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 30 this year.
20 March,2026 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe highly awaited Aditya Dhar directorial Dhurandhar 2 was finally released in theatres on March 19, with paid previews available from March 18. On its opening day, the Ranveer Singh-starrer made history by storming past the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office, despite delays and cancellations. Minting Rs 102.55 crore, it left Jawan, Animal and others behind, becoming the biggest opener of Hindi cinema. Pakistanis pirate Dhurandhar 2 However, it seems like Indians are not the only ones buzzing with excitement to watch Dhurandhar 2. Soon after the film was officially released, its pirated version became available in Pakistan, as mentioned by some accounts on X. Although the film is banned in Pakistan due to its 'anti-Pakistan' stance, it seems some people could not resist missing the opportunity to watch it. A journalist named Khalid Mehmood Khalid took to X and shared, “Watching Dhurandhar 2 in Lahore." Watching Dhurandhar 2 in Lahore.@AdityaRajKaul #Dhurandhartherevnenge pic.twitter.com/6W1dRKaMRM — Khalid Mehmood Khalid (@kmkhalid62) March 19, 2026 Indian netizens were quick to react and call out the hypocrisy of the pirating the film. One person wrote, “Sadly, Dhurandhar – The Revenge pirated version has reached Pakistan today itself. Below is a Pakistani Journalist confirming the same and enjoying the film on his Home Screen. Pakistanis can’t live without Indian Cinema even if it’s about crushing Pakistani terror!" Another user wrote, "Dhurandhar 2 super hit in Pakistan also, though it is illegal there. Everyone is very eager to watch it in Pakistan." Dhurandhar becomes Pakistan's most pirated movie While people seem to be enjoying the sequel in Pakistan, the first part had also become the most downloaded film across the border. According to an IANS report, Dhurandhar recorded at least 2 million illegal downloads within just two weeks since its ban, surpassing the piracy numbers of Shah Rukh Khan's Raees and Rajinikanth's 2.0. Amid the ban and the illegal downloads, a video from across the border that went viral on the internet, showed a song from Dhurandhar being played at a party attended by a Pakistani politician. The clip showed the song being played at a party where Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto was also present. For the unversed, Dhurandhar depicts major historical events, including the 1999 Kandahar hijack, Mumbai's 26/11 attacks, and the Lyari gang wars. The portrayal of Lyari in the film had reportedly upset Pakistani audiences, which led to the government announcing a counter-film titled Mera Lyari, which is set to present an alternative narrative.
20 March,2026 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the audience heads to cinemas this week to witness Dhurandhar 2, there’s an added treat to enjoy. Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 brings a special big-screen experience for fans, as the teaser is currently playing in Cinepolis cinemas alongside Dhurandhar 2, giving audiences an exclusive first look ahead of its online release. The teaser stands out for its striking visuals, evocative melody, and the beautiful chemistry between the lead pair, setting the tone for a love story that lingers and builds strong anticipation for the full track. Leads Avinash Tiwary and Medha Shankr offer a glimpse of their upcoming song Aye Khudaa, which is touted as one of the most intense romantic tracks of the year. The production house, Soundarya Production, took to its official Instagram account to make the announcement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soundrya Production (@soundrya.production) About Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 The film is set to be a mismatched romantic comedy and a family entertainer filled with unlimited chaos, confusion and madness, leading to a soulful journey of unexpected love. It is set against the contrasting worlds of a tough wrestler, played by Avinash, and a free-spirited girl, played by Medha. Featuring an eclectic supporting cast including Lillete Dubey, Sudhir Pandey, Govind Namdev, Gopi Bhalla, Nayani Dixit, Vishwanath Chatterjee, and Rohit Chaudhary, the film promises a fun-filled and joyous ride. Ginny Wedss Sunny 2, presented by Zee Studios and Soundrya Production, is produced by Vinod Bachchan and Umesh Kumar Bansal. Written and directed by Prasshant Jha, the film is set to release in theatres on 24th April 2026. Dhurandhar 2 crosses Rs 100 crore on Day 1 Ranveer Singh's much-awaited espionage drama Dhurandhar 2 has raked in a storm at the box office. The film opened with an enormous number at the box office, sweeping a clean century on its very first day. Seems like roadblocks like delays and cancellations of shows couldn't stop the film as it stormed past the Rs 100 crore mark. As per trade trackers, the Aditya Dhar-directed film has minted Rs 102.55 crore on the opening day, with the Hindi version contributing a lion's share of Rs 99.10 crore. Interestingly, the first instalment, Dhurandhar, which became the all-time highest grosser in Hindi, had opened with Rs 27 crore at the box office when it released in December 2025. This implies that Dhurandhar 2 made almost four times more than Dhurandhar on its opening day.
20 March,2026 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFilmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, who has been accused of copyright infringement over his Kahaani 2, has received a huge relief by the Supreme Court. The apex court on Friday quashed the proceedings against the filmmaker in the copyright infringement case. Sujoy Ghosh gets relief in Kahaani 2 copyright case Writer Umesh Mehta alleged that Sujay had plagiarised the script of Kahaani 2. He claimed that the filmmaker used his script Sabak to make Kahaani 2, which is a copyright violation. A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe allowed Ghosh's plea, challenging a Jharkhand High Court's order (dated April 22, 2025), which refused to quash the proceedings pending against the filmmaker. "The summoning order dated June 7, 2018, passed by the CJM (Chief Judicial Magistrate) and the order dated April 22, 2025, passed by the high court are quashed and set aside," the bench noted, while allowing Ghosh's plea. Sujoy Ghosh is well-known for his thriller Kahaani, set in Kolkata. His other works include Jhankaar Beats and Badla. Additionally, he has also directed short films and contributed to anthology projects. About the case In July 2025, the Supreme Court, in a relief to Ghosh, exempted him from appearing in the Jharkhand court and issued a notice seeking his response. The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Hazaribagh issued a summons against Sujoy Ghosh, following which Ghosh moved the Jharkhand High Court, but the high court rejected his plea, observing it would not conduct a "mini-trial" at the quashing stage, challenging the High Court's decision in the Supreme Court The complainant, Umesh Prasad Mehta, had written a script for the film Sabak, which was certified by the Notary Public of Hazaribagh for obtaining its copyright.It was alleged that the complainant met Ghosh and obtained a recommendation letter, which was essential for obtaining the copyright of a film script. Ghosh allegedly kept a photocopy of the script of the complainant and knowingly infringed the copyright of the complainant by producing the film Kahaani 2. The film was watched by the complainant in a film hub at Hazaribagh. After watching the film, the complainant alleged that Ghosh violated his copyright by committing theft of his script and infringed its copyright. (With inputs from agencies)
20 March,2026 02:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDhurandhar: The RevengeA: Action, thrillerDir: Aditya DharActors: Ranveer Singh, Arjun RampalRating: 3.5/5 Lemme first say what you already know about Dhurandhar: The Revenge — that, in over two decades of reviewing movies in North India, I haven’t come across a film that’s created such cultural urgency to collectively catch a film, like it was Kumbh mela. I didn’t think as much of the relatively fuzzy Dhurandhar (2025). Chiefly, because, for all its excruciating length — I was searching for the hero’s journey, while his backstory remained altogether in the backburner, making it hard for me to connect with Hamza (Ranveer Singh), the undercover agent, himself! Cracker craft apart, one could tell why crowds loved the film. Foremost, for the location, i.e. Pakistan/Karachi, and the well-told story of its ’90s Bombay-like underworld that made Lyari such an explosive landmine for devoted writer-director Aditya Dhar to realistically lay his hands on, and dig deeper. Sanjay Dutt in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ In parts, it felt like Satya (1998) with a touch of Company (2002), albeit of the Karachi kind. Many have, since, researched that neighbourhood, online (I’d recommend the Vice series on Lyari on YouTube). But more so, the audiences got drawn to the ensemble characters — mainly, don Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna), who appeared as the actual ‘hero’ of Dhurandhar. Dead Rehman, of course, is no longer there. You’ve got to thank Dhar still for giving us back the great comedian, Rakesh Bedi, in his own, new, stellar form as the semi-serious, leery Jameel Jamali! The sequel, however, wholly belongs to Dhurandhar, as in Ranveer — staggeringly transforming from a lean, vulnerable, crew-cut Jaskirat to the wild, nutso, long-haired Hamza. You learn everything you ought to know to finally anchor your emotions on the protagonist; following, appreciating his every move, over 229.06 minutes, straight. It’s almost as if Dhar first made Ranveer (Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Cirkus) a proper ‘star’ — with box-office collections of the prequel — and then treated him as one, in the second part! The young Jaskirat story starts with him vanquishing a criminal family, back in Indian Punjab. There’s a property dispute. Land is a bone of contention in another sub-plot of Dhurandhar 2. This concerns Rehman Dakait and Bade Saab. Which is how the latter lost his brother, Noor, in Karachi. It's a widely reported anecdote. Bade Saab = Dawood Ibrahim — possibly the most serially fictionalised real-life character on Indian screen. Most recently, ‘Dawood’ appeared as a matador in Spain in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo (2026), while the same actor (Avinash Tiwary) played him in Bombay’s streets on the show, Bambai Meri Jaan (2023)! Dawood, likely in his late 60s, appears as a wrecked, ailing baldie in Dhurandhar; seems closer to the truth. As do other publicly known figures around him from, say, Nawaz Sharief, referring to “Mr 10 per cent” Zardari, down to People’s Aman Committee in Pakistan (pronounced ‘Paak-stan’). It’s these straight-off connections playing on your mind, so seamlessly blurring fantasy and non-fiction, that lends immeasurable heft to Indian secret service agent Hamza’s work-life as he takes the Pak deep-state by its horns. Yet, make no mistake. This movie is make-believe. As all hardcore actioners tend to be; inevitably widening lens, upping scale. The more intimate action here is in, unequal parts, frantically pornographic, and unhingedly grotesque. There’s a certain rhythm to it, though, that you get used to, eventually — as super-composer, Shashwat Sachdev, pumps up volume, kills it with the beats, where you can even spot riffs from Michael Jackson! That’s the Dhurandhar template. I’m sure you’ll have a favourite set-piece. Mine’s the mortal-combat sequence inside a loo, where the dude getting walloped has a syringe-needle pierce through the apple of his eye, his head smashed against the bathtub! Pouf. The other question popping in people’s heads, as it popularly did during Dhurandhar is, if this is a pure propaganda picture. Frankly, with movies, I don’t consider propaganda a pejorative/insult, per se; unless downright offensive like, say, The Kerala Story. What’s James Bond, if not propaganda — overestimating might of the British Empire, through a spy-thriller. That said, there’s enough in this film, 2016 demonetisation onwards, that’ll warm the cockles of the current establishment’s heart. And still, if anything, it seems there’s more influence attributed to ISI on India — state elections, “NGO, media, socialists, universities…” — than even they may take credit for! As for sheer hate, Jaskirat/Hamza tells his wife, he has no problem with Pakistanis, only the extremists within. The main villain is the lethal Arjun Rampal, namely, ISI’s Major Iqbal. Ample footage focusses on raising his stature to stand as tall as the hero. Which also explains four hours of this film, besides extensive violence for violence’s sake. Yup, it’s four frickin’ hours! I didn’t quite feel it. But for certain passages. Such is the stunning quality of storytelling, immensely packed with material, that completes the circle from the first part that had left me bereft. Which often happens with movies where the end is merely the interval for the sequel. Hence, say, Baahubali, Gangs of Wasseypur 2 > 1. And The Revenge way better than Dhurandhar!
20 March,2026 12:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharADVERTISEMENT
