Filmmaker Aditya Dhar's latest release, "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge," has quickly become a major topic of discussion across India and beyond. The high-octane spy action thriller, which opened in theaters on March 19, 2026, has prompted its director to clarify the film's core political message. Dhar emphasizes that "Dhurandhar 2" is a powerful statement against terrorism and radical violence, not an attack on the nation or people of Pakistan. The film has already achieved significant box office success, crossing âč100 crore net on its opening day in India and earning âč236 crore globally.
Director Clarifies Film's Intent[sundayguardianlive]
Aditya Dhar has been clear about his intent for "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge." He states the film is a fight against radicalism and violence, not against any specific nation or its people. Dhar expressed he is unconcerned about a potential ban in Pakistan, believing that if audiences there watch the film, they will understand its true message. He noted that the first "Dhurandhar" film garnered significant attention in Pakistan despite restrictions, with pirated DVDs selling widely and the film becoming a top Netflix title in the country.
Dhar elaborated that his aim is to portray India's long-standing policy: a clear opposition to terror networks and their sponsors, rather than hostility towards Pakistan as a whole. This calibrated messaging, which separates the "enemy" from the nation, is central to the film's narrative. The director aims for audiences to look past political noise and recognize the universal fight against terrorism.[unb+2]
Unpacking Dhurandhar 2's Narrative[indiatoday+1]
"Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" continues the story of Indian agent Jaskirat Singh Rangi, played by Ranveer Singh, who operates under the alias Hamza Ali Mazari. The plot sees Hamza deeply embedded within Pakistan's gangster, terror, and political networks. His mission is to bring India's enemies to justice. The film picks up after the events of the first "Dhurandhar," where Hamza eliminated Rehman Dakait. The sequel focuses on Hamza's rise through the ranks and his confrontation with Major Iqbal, played by Arjun Rampal, who is depicted as the ISI mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The narrative of "Dhurandhar 2" intricately links various internal conflicts within India to Pakistan's alleged terror support structure. These include Khalistani extremism, militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, insurgencies in the Northeast, and Naxal-Maoist movements. The film presents a strategic framework that aims to distinguish between a nation and the terror networks operating from its soil.[timesnownews+3]
Bridging Cinema and Government Policy[indiatoday]
Aditya Dhar's filmmaking often aligns with the Indian government's anti-terror doctrine. The film pushes this calibrated messaging into the realm of popular cinema. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also reiterated India's stance that its fight is with terror networks operating across the border, not with the Pakistani people. Dhar's film absorbs this government messaging into its bloodstream, presenting a vision of a "new India."
This "new India" is portrayed as one that enters enemy territory without hesitation and strikes without apology. Dhar previously explored similar themes in his 2019 film "Uri: The Surgical Strike," which was based on India's military response to the 2016 Uri attack. In "Dhurandhar 2," this messaging is presented with more layers, consistently underlining that India is against terrorism nurtured on Pakistani soil, not against Pakistan itself. This stance became particularly pronounced during "Operation Sindoor," India's anti-terrorism operation following the Pahalgam terror attack last year.[indiatoday]
Controversies and Critical Reception[indiatoday+1]
Despite its box office success, "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" has faced criticism. Some commentators, including YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, have labeled the film as "propaganda" and "brain rot." Critics noted the film's "hyper-nationalism" and accused it of explicitly promoting the agenda of India's ruling party. For example, the movie portrays the Modi government's 2016 demonetization of large currency bills as a masterstroke that disrupted terror financing networks.
Reviewers have highlighted the film's technical polish but also criticized its lengthy runtime, which is nearly four hours, and its overt political messaging. Some believe the film blurs the line between fiction and reality by using real-world references, including footage and audio linked to events like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Despite these criticisms, the film continues to draw large audiences and perform strongly at the global box office.[deccanherald+5]
Director's Track Record and Film Details[timesnownews+4]
Aditya Dhar has established himself as a prominent filmmaker known for his patriotic and action-oriented narratives. His directorial debut, "Uri: The Surgical Strike," was a critical and commercial success, winning four National Film Awards, including Best Director for Dhar and Best Actor for Vicky Kaushal.
"Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" features an ensemble cast led by Ranveer Singh. Other prominent actors include Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam, R. Madhavan as intelligence chief Ajay Sanyal, Sara Arjun as Yalina, and Rakesh Bedi as Jameel Jamali. Thefilm is produced by Dhar, his brother Lokesh Dhar, and Jyoti Deshpande under their respective banners B62 Studios and Jio Studios. Thefirst "Dhurandhar" was the highest-grossing Hindi film ever, collecting over âč1,300 crore worldwide.[unb+8]
Challenges and Audience Engagement[sundayguardianlive]
The release of "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" was not without hitches. Several premiere shows, particularly the Kannada and Malayalam versions, experienced delays or cancellations due to unforeseen technical difficulties. Director Aditya Dhar issued an official apology to disappointed fans, expressing the team's emotional investment in the film and their desire for everyone to experience it as intended.
Dharhas also made a heartfelt appeal to audiences to avoid sharing spoilers. He urged viewers to remain seated until the credits have stopped rolling, hinting at unexpected twists and surprises, including a post-credits scene. Dhar emphasized that films should be experienced in a theater, surrounded by others, feeling the same emotions. He stressed the importance of preserving the viewing experience for every fan, allowing them to walk in "clueless but curious" and leave with their own personal interpretations.[timesofindia+1]
The film's intense action sequences and engaging storyline aim to keep audiences glued to their seats. As "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" continues its run, it reinforces Aditya Dhar's vision of creating impactful cinema that resonates with contemporary national narratives while sparking important discussions about its themes and messaging.[hindustantimes+1]
