New Delhi: Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has taken the Indian box office by storm, delivering one of the biggest openings in Bollywood history, even as the film continues to divide critics and audiences with its intense narrative and political undertones.
Directed by filmmaker Aditya Dhar, the high-octane spy thriller released in cinemas on March 19, 2026, following record-breaking paid previews a day earlier.
Record-breaking box office opening
The film has registered a phenomenal Day 1 performance, with total collections (including previews) inching close to the ₹140–150 crore mark, making it one of the highest openings ever for a Hindi film.
According to trade estimates, the film earned over ₹100 crore on its opening day alone, while paid previews contributed significantly to the overall total.
The movie has also:
- Entered the list of top opening day grossers in India
- Recorded historic advance bookings, selling lakhs of tickets before release
- Screened across thousands of shows nationwide, reflecting massive demand
Star power and performances
The film features a strong ensemble cast led by Ranveer Singh, alongside actors like Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi.
Ranveer Singh’s performance has received widespread praise from several quarters, with industry voices calling it “powerful” and “intense.”
However, some critics noted the absence or underutilisation of certain characters, which impacted the emotional depth of the story.
Plot and theme
Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues the story of its predecessor, revolving around themes of revenge, nationalism, and covert operations.
The narrative follows a high-stakes mission driven by personal and political motivations, blending action with strong patriotic messaging.
The film is marked by:
- High-scale action sequences
- A darker, more violent tone
- A heavy emphasis on nationalism and geopolitical conflict
Critical response: Praise and criticism
Despite its box office success, the film has received mixed to polarised reviews.
According to reviews, the film is visually grand and intense but leans heavily into loud storytelling and propaganda-like themes.
A review noted that while the film “roars” with scale and action, it often loses emotional nuance amid its aggressive tone.
Columnist Shobhaa De also shared a critical take, suggesting certain performances overshadow others, while some key characters were missed, adding to the divided reception.
Meanwhile, some public figures and audiences have praised the film’s “unapologetic patriotism” and cinematic scale, highlighting its mass appeal.
Controversies and audience reactions
The film has also been at the centre of multiple controversies:
- A viral clip from the film sparked spoiler outrage online
- Some critics and commentators labelled the film as overtly propagandist
- Technical issues, including delays in digital keys (KDM), led to show cancellations in several theatres
- These factors have contributed to a mixed public discourse, even as theatres continue to see strong footfall.
Industry impact
With its massive opening, Dhurandhar 2 has:
- Reinforced the dominance of large-scale action spectacles in Bollywood
- Set new benchmarks for advance bookings and opening collections
- Positioned itself as a potential ₹500 crore+ blockbuster, depending on its sustained performance
Conclusion
While Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has emerged as a box office juggernaut, its critical reception remains divided. The film’s success highlights the audience’s appetite for high-energy action dramas, even as debates continue over its storytelling approach and thematic choices.