Dhurandhar: The Revenge and its predecessor have solidified their positions as commercial juggernauts, collectively amassing over ₹1,700 crore worldwide. The franchise, initially planned as a single film, was split into two parts during post-production due to narrative complexity, with both parts filmed concurrently. The films, featuring Ranveer Singh in a lead role, have garnered significant attention for their financial success, even as they've faced scrutiny for their portrayal of violence and alleged nationalist undertones.
The critical reception for "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" has been divided, with praise directed at performances, storytelling, soundtrack, and technical execution. However, criticisms have surfaced regarding the film's violence and perceived nationalist propaganda, leading to bans in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Collaborator Praises and Franchise Details Emerge
Actor Gaurav Gera, who portrays the character Aalam in the Dhurandhar franchise, has spoken extensively about his experience working alongside Ranveer Singh. Gera highlighted Singh's discipline and deep involvement on set, contrasting him with other stars who might disengage. "Matlab itne bade star hai, he didn’t need to give me cues," Gera remarked, emphasizing Singh's supportive nature. This sentiment has been echoed by other co-stars, suggesting Singh's success is intrinsically linked to his collaborative energy and dedication.
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Gera's own journey in the franchise is noteworthy. He revealed that a crucial scene from Dhurandhar: The Revenge formed part of his audition for the role of Aalam, an undercover Indian spy. The success of the franchise, particularly Dhurandhar 2, has reportedly boosted Gera's confidence and led to increased professional respect. He shared a poignant letter from his 23-year-old self, reflecting on his early struggles in Mumbai as he pursued an acting career.
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Franchise Dynamics and Reception
Dhurandhar: The Revenge, released in late 2025, continued the narrative, with additional filming taking place in early 2026. The film's soundtrack, composed by Shashwat Sachdev, has been generally well-received for enhancing the film's impact, though some critics noted a perceived dip in energy compared to the first installment's score. The franchise's commercial success is underscored by figures exceeding ₹1,000 crore domestically for "The Revenge" within its first week and a total gross exceeding ₹1,700 crore worldwide, making it one of India's highest-grossing films.
However, critical assessments have varied. While some reviews lauded Ranveer Singh as the "new king of Bollywood" and praised the film's technical assurance and escalating intensity, others, like the review for Dhurandhar 2, found the sequel to be a lengthy and less engaging experience, missing the impact of earlier characters and critiquing its "sabre-rattling hyper-nationalism." The franchise has also faced legal challenges, with Trimurti Films reportedly suing B62 Studios over the song "Oye Oye" in "Dhurandhar 2".
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Background
The Dhurandhar franchise, spearheaded by director Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, has become a significant financial entity in the Indian film industry. The first film, Dhurandhar, was released in December 2025, followed by its sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, in early 2026. Principal photography for both films spanned from July 2024 to October 2025, with further shooting for the second part occurring in early 2026. The films have been noted for their extensive action sequences and exploration of themes involving power and politics, set against a backdrop that has drawn both commendation and controversy.
