The conversation around Dhurandhar: The Revenge has intensified this week after social media posts suggested that Emraan Hashmi could be joining the sequel as a new antagonist named Bade Sahab. The speculation has not been confirmed by the makers, but it has been enough to reignite interest in what is already one of the most anticipated Hindi releases of 2026.
For a franchise that reportedly crossed ₹1300 crore worldwide with its first installment, even unverified casting chatter carries weight. Here’s a clear breakdown of what is confirmed, what remains rumor, and how the sequel is shaping up.
Franchise Momentum After a Massive Box Office Run
The first Dhurandhar released on December 5, 2025, positioning itself as a high-stakes spy thriller inspired by covert RAW operations. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film starred Ranveer Singh as Hamza Ali Mazari, also known as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, an undercover operative navigating terror networks in Karachi’s Lyari region.
Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film struck a chord with audiences looking for large-scale patriotic thrillers grounded in tactical realism. Trade reports indicate that Part 1 grossed around ₹1000 crore in India and approximately ₹1300 crore worldwide, placing it among the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year.
That commercial success has created enormous expectations for the sequel.
Sequel Setup: Picking Up From the Cliffhanger
Dhurandhar: The Revenge is positioned as a direct continuation. The first film ended on a narrative cliffhanger that hinted at a deeper conspiracy and unresolved power structures.
According to early promotional material, the sequel will explore the origins of Hamza’s mission while expanding the geopolitical stakes. The theatrical release is scheduled for March 19, 2026, strategically aligning with festive periods including Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Eid-al-Fitr.
The film is slated to release in five languages: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. That multi-language strategy signals a deliberate pan-India push rather than a Hindi-centric rollout.
The Emraan Hashmi Speculation Explained
Social platform discussions in December 2025 began circulating claims that Emraan Hashmi would play Bade Sahab, described in fan posts as a powerful don-like figure operating behind the scenes.
The speculation appears to stem from two sources:
-
Unverified casting chatter on X
-
A brief listing anomaly on Letterboxd that was later removed
There has been no formal confirmation from the production team. No official poster, press note, or studio announcement currently names Hashmi in the project.
From an analytical perspective, the casting would make strategic sense. Hashmi has built credibility in espionage and darker roles in recent years. However, until confirmed by the studio, the information remains speculative.
Director’s Approach and Expanding Scale
Aditya Dhar has previously demonstrated a strong command of military and intelligence-themed storytelling. His previous work established a template for blending operational detail with emotional arcs.
Industry observers suggest that the sequel may lean further into origin storytelling while amplifying action set pieces. The teaser released in February 2026 reportedly hinted at domestic security threats rather than cross-border conflict, signaling a narrative shift inward.
The addition of South Indian markets through dubbed versions indicates a conscious effort to broaden reach beyond traditional Hindi-speaking audiences.
Booking and Exhibition Plans
Advance booking is expected to open from March 1 across major platforms such as PVR Inox and BookMyShow. International booking windows are likely to follow shortly after.
Multiplex chains in Hyderabad and Chennai are reportedly increasing screen allocations for the Telugu and Tamil versions, reflecting strong advance interest in those regions.
Premium format screenings, including IMAX and 4DX, are anticipated though final confirmations from exhibitors are awaited.
Box Office Stakes and Industry Context
The sequel arrives in a competitive release window, including a reported clash with Toxic, headlined by Yash. High-profile clashes often split opening-day screens but can also drive overall box office momentum.
With Part 1 reportedly crossing ₹1300 crore worldwide, industry analysts are watching closely to see whether the sequel can replicate or exceed that benchmark. A five-language release certainly expands the potential ceiling.
However, replicating record-breaking performance depends on word of mouth, not just scale.
Other Articles to Read:
Broader Impact on the Spy Thriller Genre
Hindi cinema’s spy genre has evolved significantly in recent years. Audiences now expect layered antagonists, grounded action choreography, and credible intelligence narratives.
If the rumored addition of Emraan Hashmi materializes, it could deepen the franchise’s villain ecosystem. But even without that casting, the established ensemble provides enough gravitas.
For viewers, the primary draw remains Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of a morally complex operative navigating blurred ethical lines.
