Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 is entering a decisive phase. After the teaser drew a divided response online, the makers have locked the trailer and first song launch window ahead of a high-stakes March 19, 2026 theatrical release. The sequel will hit cinemas during a rare festival convergence of Eid, Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, placing it in direct competition with Yash’s Toxic. For exhibitors, distributors and fans, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest screen battles of 2026.
More than just another sequel, Dhurandhar 2 represents a calculated expansion of a franchise that already delivered one of the strongest box office performances of Ranveer Singh’s career.
A Sequel Built on a Rs 730 Crore Foundation
Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar Part 1 emerged as a commercial heavyweight. The spy thriller reportedly earned Rs 730 crore in India and Rs 1,869 crore worldwide, becoming Ranveer Singh’s biggest opener and surpassing the lifetime momentum of films like Simmba and Padmaavat in terms of initial box office traction.
Set against a 2000s geopolitical backdrop involving covert Karachi operations, the first film combined intelligence drama with political tension. Reviews were mixed on pacing, but Ranveer Singh’s performance and Akshaye Khanna’s antagonist turn received consistent praise. The background score and action staging were widely appreciated.
The post-credit scene hinted at a larger universe, leaving audiences with an unresolved Karachi-based cliffhanger. That narrative thread now anchors the sequel.
Trailer and Song Launch: Course Correction After Teaser Reaction
The initial teaser for Dhurandhar 2 did not generate the unanimous excitement the studio may have hoped for. While scale and action were visible, some viewers felt the promo lacked emotional intensity.
Industry sources indicate the trailer is expected between February 13 and 15, with a major promotional song dropping ahead of Holi to bridge the marketing momentum into March.
This recalibration is strategic. In today’s theatrical environment, trailers often determine advance booking curves. A strong second promo can reset audience sentiment and drive renewed anticipation.
Social media metrics suggest high engagement levels despite criticism, with over 200,000 user interactions across platforms calling for more clarity and stronger narrative glimpses. That demand appears to have shaped the final trailer cut.
March 19: A Rare Festival Convergence
The March 19 release date aligns with Eid on Thursday, followed by Ugadi and Gudi Padwa celebrations. A four-day extended weekend is expected to boost footfall across multiplexes and single screens.
However, the date also brings direct competition from Yash’s Toxic, a gangster saga carrying significant post-KGF expectations. With both films targeting mass audiences, exhibitors in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad are reportedly preparing for tight screen allocations.
Multiplex chains such as PVR Inox and Cinepolis will likely split prime shows across both films, while single screens may lean toward regional audience preference. North India circuits could favor Ranveer’s spy thriller, while parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh may tilt toward Yash.
Five-Language Rollout Signals Pan-India Ambition
Unlike Part 1, which primarily released in Hindi with limited southern penetration, Dhurandhar 2 will launch simultaneously in five languages: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.
This move follows strong word-of-mouth traction in southern markets after the first film’s streaming debut. Piracy data and digital demand reportedly showed consistent interest from non-Hindi regions, prompting an official dubbed rollout.
The strategy reflects a broader industry shift. Hindi films are increasingly seeking pan-India legitimacy rather than relying solely on North Indian markets.
Ensemble Cast Returns with Expanded Stakes
Aditya Dhar returns to direct, building on the grounded realism he previously brought to Uri: The Surgical Strike. His approach combines military precision with political drama.
The sequel retains a formidable ensemble:
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Ranveer Singh as the lead intelligence operative
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Akshaye Khanna reprising his antagonist role
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Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal in politically layered characters
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R Madhavan in a strategic intelligence role
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Industry buzz suggests Yami Gautam may appear in a cameo
The Karachi storyline continues, with higher geopolitical stakes and deeper character arcs promised.
Franchise Economics and Studio Strategy
Backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the sequel reportedly carries a higher production and marketing budget than Part 1. Industry estimates suggest the film is targeting significantly higher returns, banking on multi-language reach and overseas circuits including the Gulf, USA and UK.
The Gulf region, in particular, often sees strong Eid turnout for Hindi releases. Subtitled screenings across diaspora markets are expected.
Ranveer Singh’s Career Phase
Following his reported exit from Don 3, Ranveer Singh appears to be consolidating franchise-driven projects. Alongside Love & War and other large-scale ventures, Dhurandhar now positions itself as a long-term intellectual property.
Franchise continuity is increasingly critical for actors competing in a pan-India environment dominated by cinematic universes.
Screen Allocation Tensions Ahead
Trade analysts expect approximately 2,500 screens in North India for Dhurandhar 2, though final counts depend on advance booking trends. Southern circuits may divide preference depending on regional pull for Yash’s Toxic.
The collision is not merely star-driven. It is a test of genre appeal: a polished espionage thriller versus a gritty gangster saga.
