Film body's 'ban' order rolls back a week after actor reportedly approaches court over Don 3 dispute

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Tuesday withdrew its non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh, stepping back from a standoff that had drawn significant attention across the Hindi film industry. The rollback came roughly a week after Ranveer reportedly served a legal notice to the federation and moved court over the matter.

Industry Bodies Pushed for Resolution

FWICE president BN Tiwari confirmed the withdrawal, saying the decision came after the federation received requests from prominent industry organisations, including the Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) and the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA). The federation said it would respond to Ranveer's legal notice through appropriate legal channels.

FWICE chief advisor Ashoke Pandit also used the occasion to clarify the federation's actual powers. He urged media outlets to stop using the word "ban," pointing out that FWICE can only advise its members not to work with a particular individual — it has no authority to prevent anyone from working professionally.

How the Dispute Began

The directive, originally issued on May 25, 2026, stemmed from Ranveer Singh's reported exit from Don 3, a high-profile project being produced by Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment. According to sources familiar with the matter, Ranveer stepped away from the film just three weeks before full-scale shooting was set to begin — at a point when pre-production work was nearly complete.

The producers subsequently demanded ₹45 crore in compensation for losses arising from the sudden exit. FWICE, citing the disruption caused to workers and production staff, had then asked all its members to refrain from associating with any of the actor's projects.

Legal Notice Filed Before Withdrawal

Ranveer's team sent a legal notice to the FWICE on June 2, a day before the withdrawal was announced, according to an NDTV report. The specific demands outlined in the notice have not been made public yet. His team also reportedly approached the court over the matter, which appeared to accelerate the federation's decision to reverse course.

Kangana Weighs In

The controversy drew a reaction from actress Kangana Ranaut, who addressed the issue at the trailer launch of her upcoming film Bharat Bhagya Vidhata on Tuesday. Asked about the episode, she drew parallels with her own experience of being on the receiving end of similar industry pressure.

"Everyone has banned me. I would just like to say that when your status grows, your enemies also grow," she said. Referring to Ranveer without naming him directly, she added that facing opposition is often a sign of progress. "So much has happened with me, but look, today I am doing good work. My career is also going well. So these things don't make any difference."

Bharat Bhagya Vidhata is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 12, 2026.

What Comes Next

With the directive now withdrawn, the immediate professional threat to Ranveer Singh's projects has been lifted. However, the legal proceedings — both the notice sent by his team and FWICE's stated intention to respond through courts — suggest the underlying dispute over Don 3 is far from settled.

The Don 3 compensation claim of ₹45 crore remains unresolved, and industry watchers will be tracking whether the matter heads toward arbitration or a negotiated settlement between the actor and Excel Entertainment.

The Indian entertainment industry continues to witness a major shift in viewing patterns as big-budget films increasingly find a second life on OTT platforms after their theatrical run. One of the most anticipated entries in this trend is “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” a high-octane action thriller starring Ranveer Singh, which is now expected to stream on OTT starting June 4, 2026 after its theatrical release.

The film has already generated strong buzz among audiences due to its intense storyline, powerful performances, and large-scale production values. Positioned as a revenge-driven action drama, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is expected to deliver a mix of emotional depth, gripping action sequences, and a stylized narrative that aligns with modern cinematic trends.

A Story Built on Revenge and Redemption

At the core of Dhurandhar: The Revenge lies a narrative centered around justice, loss, and vengeance. The film follows the journey of a man pushed to the edge after a personal tragedy shakes his entire world. What begins as a deeply emotional story gradually transforms into a violent quest for justice, as the protagonist navigates corruption, betrayal, and moral dilemmas.

Ranveer Singh plays a layered character who is not just a typical action hero but a man torn between rage and conscience. This duality forms the emotional backbone of the film, making it more than just an action spectacle. The storytelling reportedly blends raw realism with cinematic grandeur, ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout its runtime.

Ranveer Singh’s Transformational Role

Known for his versatility and energetic screen presence, Ranveer Singh is once again expected to push his acting boundaries in this film. Over the years, he has built a reputation for taking on challenging and unconventional roles, and Dhurandhar: The Revenge appears to be no different.

In this project, he reportedly undergoes a significant physical and emotional transformation. His character arc spans from a vulnerable individual dealing with personal loss to a hardened figure driven by vengeance. This transformation is expected to be one of the major highlights of the film, showcasing his ability to embody complex emotional states while maintaining intense screen presence.

High Production Value and Cinematic Scale

One of the defining features of Dhurandhar: The Revenge is its large-scale production design. The film is said to feature multiple international locations, elaborate action sequences, and high-end visual effects. From chase scenes through crowded urban landscapes to intense hand-to-hand combat sequences, the film aims to offer a cinematic experience that matches global standards.

The action choreography is expected to be one of its strongest aspects, combining realistic stunt work with stylized filmmaking techniques. This ensures that the film appeals not only to mainstream Bollywood audiences but also to global viewers who consume Indian content on OTT platforms.

The OTT Strategy and Changing Viewing Habits

The decision to release Dhurandhar: The Revenge on OTT shortly after its theatrical run reflects the evolving distribution strategy in the film industry. Over the past few years, audiences have increasingly shifted toward digital platforms for convenience and accessibility. This has encouraged filmmakers to adopt a hybrid release model. By premiering on OTT, the film ensures a wider reach, allowing audiences who missed the theatrical release to experience it from the comfort of their homes. This strategy also helps the film gain renewed attention and longevity beyond its initial box office run.

Audience Expectations and Buzz

Since its announcement, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been surrounded by strong anticipation. Fans are particularly excited to see Ranveer Singh in a darker, more intense avatar compared to some of his previous roles. Social media discussions suggest that audiences are expecting a gripping storyline, powerful dialogues, and memorable action sequences. The film’s emotional depth is also a key talking point. Unlike typical revenge dramas that focus solely on action, this project appears to incorporate strong emotional storytelling, which may help it connect with a wider audience base.

Impact on OTT Landscape

The arrival of a star-driven film like Dhurandhar: The Revenge on OTT is another indication of how streaming platforms are becoming central to film distribution. Big-budget releases no longer rely only on theatrical success; instead, their digital performance is equally important. This shift benefits both filmmakers and audiences. Filmmakers gain extended reach and revenue opportunities, while audiences get easier access to premium content without waiting for long cycles.

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Dhurandhar 2 has stayed firm at the box office even in its sixth week, continuing a rare long theatrical run despite fresh competition and shrinking screens. As per trade tracker Sacnilk, Dhurandhar 2 Box Office Day 42 pushed the film’s India net collection to Rs 1,133.47 crore, with India gross at Rs 1,356.64 crore and overseas earnings at Rs 424.75 crore. Its worldwide total now stands at Rs 1,780 crore-plus.

The film, led by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, has held steady through its sixth week even as Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla added pressure at the ticket window. Trade analysts say the film’s sustained run reflects strong recall value and repeat viewership in core Hindi markets.

Baahubali Record Close

With its latest global total, Dhurandhar 2 has moved within touching distance of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’s long-standing worldwide benchmark of around Rs 1,788 crore. That places the film on the verge of overtaking one of Indian cinema’s most durable box office records.

The gap is now narrow enough for the film to likely cross the Baahubali 2 mark in the coming days, provided weekday collections remain stable and screens are retained through the weekend.

Dangal Still Safe

While Baahubali 2 now looks within reach, Dangal remains a much tougher target. The Aamir Khan-starrer’s worldwide total was powered by an exceptional overseas run, particularly in China, where the sports drama turned into a breakout phenomenon and lifted its global earnings far beyond its domestic base.

That remains the biggest gap for Dhurandhar 2. Though the film has delivered massive business in India, its overseas haul has not expanded at the same pace needed to challenge Dangal’s global dominance. Trade watchers say that is the single biggest reason the film has not yet emerged as the outright highest-grossing Indian title worldwide.

Overseas Gap Widens

The numbers underline the challenge. Dhurandhar 2 has built its run largely on domestic strength, with India gross accounting for the bulk of its total. By contrast, Dangal’s international performance transformed its final global standing.

Industry trackers note that without a major breakout market similar to China, crossing Dangal becomes significantly harder for any Indian film, regardless of domestic dominance. That remains the missing piece in Dhurandhar 2’s record chase.

Competition Slows Pace

The film’s momentum has also slowed in recent weeks. After a massive opening stretch, collections began easing in week two and then tapered further as IPL season, new releases and reduced show counts affected footfalls. On Day 42, the film was running in just over 2,000 shows, a sharp drop from its early peak.

That decline was expected, but it has made the race to Dangal more difficult. The film still has enough momentum to add to its total, but not at the pace needed for a dramatic leap.

Japan Release Push

The next major trigger for Dhurandhar 2 could come from overseas expansion. Sources indicated the makers are preparing a Japan release, a market that has shown steady interest in Indian films over the years. A strong Japan run may not fully replicate Dangal’s China effect, but it could add useful late-stage numbers and extend the film’s global shelf life.

The controversy surrounding Don 3 has finally reached a settlement, bringing relief to both actor Ranveer Singh and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. According to industry sources, the actor has agreed to return his signing amount of approximately ₹10 crore after stepping away from the much-anticipated film.

The development marks a significant turnaround in what had become one of the most discussed disputes in recent Bollywood trade circles, widely covered under Latest News Today and Trending News India categories.

Settlement Details Emerge

Sources indicated that the settlement was reached after multiple rounds of discussions between the actor and the makers, including Excel Entertainment. The financial arrangement reportedly includes the return of the signing fee and additional compensation commitments.

While no official statement has been issued, reports suggest that Singh’s decision helped prevent further escalation of the issue, which had drawn attention from trade bodies and industry insiders.

Why Conflict Began

The dispute traces back to Singh’s exit from Don 3 before the film entered production. The actor had initially agreed to headline the project but later opted out, citing dissatisfaction with the script.

According to reports, Singh had requested revisions to the screenplay. When those changes did not materialise, he chose to withdraw from the film. This decision triggered concerns among producers, who had already initiated pre-production activities.

Producers Raised Concerns

Following the exit, the production house reportedly sought compensation for financial losses incurred during the early stages of the project. Industry sources claimed that a demand of nearly ₹40 crore was discussed as part of the dispute.

The matter also drew the attention of the Producers Guild of India, highlighting the seriousness of contractual commitments in the film industry. It quickly became a widely tracked India News Update within entertainment and business reporting.

New Project Commitment

As part of the resolution, Singh has reportedly assured the production house of future collaboration. Sources suggest he has offered participation in an upcoming project titled Pralay, although details regarding budget, timeline, and his financial involvement remain unclear.

This move is seen as an attempt to maintain professional relationships and offset losses indirectly, a strategy often adopted in high-value film disputes.

Impact on Industry

The Don 3 controversy underscores the increasing importance of contractual clarity and creative alignment in big-budget Bollywood productions. Industry observers note that such disputes can disrupt schedules, inflate costs, and affect investor confidence.

For Singh, who recently delivered a commercial success with Dhurandhar 2, the episode presents a mixed phase-balancing professional acclaim with reputational challenges.

What Lies Ahead

With the dispute now resolved, focus is expected to shift back to the future of the Don franchise and casting decisions for its third instalment. Meanwhile, Singh’s upcoming projects will be closely watched for both performance and industry dynamics.

Deepika Padukone Announces Second Pregnancy

Dua Holds Test in Family Reveal

Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh revealed their second pregnancy on Sunday. They posted an adorable Instagram picture of daughter Dua clutching a positive pregnancy test kit. The announcement, shared across both handles, sparked instant buzz in entertainment circles.

Pregnancy Joy

Deepika and Ranveer chose a tender family moment to break the news. Ranveer cradles Dua, whose half-smile peeks out, while his face stays hidden. The image captures pure delight, drawing lakhs of likes within hours. Fans flooded comments with hearts and prayers.

Celebrity Reactions Pour In

Stars rallied quick. Nimrat Kaur posted, "Congratulations, may you both be happy." Ranveer's Dhurandhar co-star Danish Pandor simply wrote, "Meher." Neil Nitin Mukesh dropped a heart emoji. Sources close to the family called it a "blessed surprise."

Dua's Arrival Recap

Dua entered their lives on September 8, 2024. Deepika and Ranveer had then shared, "Welcome Baby Girl. 8-9-2024." They first showed her face during Diwali 2025 celebrations. The couple, married in Italy in 2018 after years together, guards family privacy fiercely.

First Pregnancy Timeline

Deepika's initial pregnancy news hit in February 2024. Reports from that time noted her graceful handling amid shoots. Officials at Mumbai hospitals confirmed smooth deliveries, per earlier briefs. This second chapter adds to their joyful narrative.

Family Impact

The reveal boosts public morale amid fast-paced lives. Families across India see it as inspiration for cherishing bonds. Bollywood insiders predict a wave of baby-themed content on social media. It underscores stars balancing reel and real worlds.

Career Highs Continue

Ranveer recently starred in blockbuster Dhurandhar 2. The actioner grossed ₹1,748.91 crore worldwide, edging past Pushpa 2's ₹1,742.10 crore. It ranks third among Indian hits, trailing only Dangal and Baahubali 2. Deepika gears up for King opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Hail Dhurandhar: The Revenge as Cinematic Masterpiece

Power couple praises Ranveer Singh's film and director Aditya Dhar ahead of IPL clash, sparking fresh buzz for blockbuster

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma watched Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals. The couple showered praise on the film, its director Aditya Dhar, and lead actor Ranveer Singh via Instagram Stories. Kohli called it an unmatched cinematic experience in Indian cinema.

Key Details

Kohli shared his reaction post-screening, writing he had "never seen a cinematic experience like this made in India." He noted the nearly four-hour runtime gripped him without a flinch, stirring every emotion. Anushka lauded the film's immersive storytelling and conviction in its length.

Both highlighted Ranveer Singh's "flawless" and "beyond brilliant" performance. Anushka also commended supporting cast including R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi. The posts quickly went viral, amplifying the film's nationwide buzz.

Screening Context

The couple caught the film just before RCB's high-stakes IPL encounter. Sources close to Kohli indicated they prioritised the outing amid a packed cricket schedule. 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', released recently, blends intense action with gripping narrative.

Director Responds

Aditya Dhar, who wrote, directed, and produced the film, replied promptly on Instagram. To Kohli, he expressed disbelief and fandom since the cricketer's Under-19 World Cup days. "Watching a once-in-a-generation legend show love like this just hits different," Dhar wrote, adding a Jai Hind salute.

For Anushka, Dhar called her praise "truly overwhelming" from an "exceptional talent." He vowed to aim higher with honest, heartfelt stories. Officials from the production house confirmed the exchanges boosted team morale.

Box Office Surge

The film raked in ₹1,021 crore in 19 days, with housefull shows nationwide. Dubbed versions expanded its reach across regions. As per reports, strong word-of-mouth and star power drove occupancy rates above 80% in key circuits.

Celebrity Endorsement Impact

Praise from Kohli, a national icon, and Anushka, a Bollywood stalwart, underscores the film's crossover appeal. Industry trackers noted a 15% spike in weekend bookings post their posts. Fans flooded social media, terming it a "public interest story" blending cinema and sports stardom.

Cultural Buzz

'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' has sparked discussions on long-format storytelling in Indian films. Sources indicated theatre chains extended runs due to demand. It marks Ranveer Singh's career high, with critics hailing his transformation.

Future Outlook

Producers eye international markets next, leveraging the endorsement. Dhar hinted at expanding the franchise. For Kohli and Anushka, their nod positions 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' as trending news India watches. Expect more celebrity reactions as IPL 2026 heats up—this latest news today from India news update cements its blockbuster status.

Filmmaker Praises Sequel’s Craft

Filmmaker Karan Johar has showered praise on Aditya Dhar’s latest directorial, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, calling it a masterclass in mainstream Hindi cinema. In an Instagram post on Friday, Johar described Dhar as an “outstanding filmmaker” who has raised the bar for commercial storytelling.

The film, which released on March 19, marks Dhar’s return to the director’s chair after the 2025 original. Johar’s post came days after the spy-action sequel crossed the ₹1000 crore mark at the global box office, cementing its position as one of the year’s biggest blockbusters.

Johar Lauds Ranveer Singh’s Performance

In his post, Johar reserved special praise for lead actor Ranveer Singh, calling his portrayal of Hamza Ali Mazari – and his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi – the actor’s “career BEST work.” Johar wrote that Singh’s emotional range, from quiet stares to moments of swagger, proved he is “one of the greats.”

“Every tear of yours, every quiet stare, each time you walk with undeniable swag you prove you are one of the greats,” Johar said in the caption. He added that Singh would remain an “artist of huge calibre for the ages.”

Director’s Command Praised

Johar devoted significant attention to Aditya Dhar’s direction, highlighting the film’s layered storytelling. He noted that the heart-wrenching backstory of the protagonist and the humanised portrayal of the antagonist reflected Dhar’s “brilliance and directorial command.”

“The impeccable craft… the soundscape and the all round cinematic prowess proves the brilliance,” Johar wrote, adding that the filmmaker “not only raises the mainstream bar but also creates a new one.”

A Nod to 70s Hindi Cinema

The filmmaker, known for his own deep ties to Bollywood’s commercial landscape, drew a personal connection to Dhurandhar: The Revenge. He said the film took him back to the days of watching “pure solid Hindi cinema in single screens in the 70s.”

“I came out satiated and dreamt of being a part of this business… today I am a part of the fraternity and Dhurandhar reminded me of how proud and grateful I am to be here today,” Johar added in his post, which he shared alongside the film’s poster.

Sequel Builds on Spy-Action Universe

Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues the story set in Lyari town, Karachi, an area known for gang wars and turf battles. The franchise, backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar under Jio Studios, follows covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of real-world geopolitical events.

The sequel charts the rise of Ranveer Singh’s character in the Karachi underworld while delving into his origins. The ensemble cast includes R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi, all reprising their roles from the first instalment. The film was released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

Box Office Dominance

According to trade sources, the film has grossed over ₹1000 crore worldwide within ten days of release. Industry observers attribute the strong performance to positive word-of-mouth and the expanded multilingual release strategy. The original Dhurandhar, released in 2025, had also emerged as a critical and commercial success.

What’s Next for the Franchise

While there has been no official announcement regarding a third instalment, sources indicate that the makers are exploring further expansion of the spy-action universe. With the franchise’s growing box office pull and Johar’s high-profile endorsement, the momentum around the property is expected to continue in the coming weeks.

AIMIM president and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a sharp attack on Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar 2, dismissing the Ranveer Singh-starrer as “three hours of nonsense” and accusing it of promoting violence. Speaking at a news summit on Friday, Owaisi questioned the film’s content and its portrayal of community identities.

When asked about the Dhurandhar franchise, Owaisi responded in a mix of Hindi and Urdu, saying, “Picture hai vo? Teen ghante bakwaas (Is that even a film? It’s three hours of nonsense).” He added that he does not have time to watch a three-hour film and questioned what the movie offered beyond expletives and violence.

Owaisi Questions Film’s Intent

The parliamentarian went on to allege that the film left viewers with a troubling question. “What is even there in the film other than cuss words, promoting violence, and after three hours, it makes you wonder if you must cuss at Muslims or not,” Owaisi said. His remarks came days after the film’s release on March 19, as it continues to dominate the box office.

When the host noted that the “world is watching” Dhurandhar 2 and responding positively, Owaisi brushed aside the observation with a Hyderabadi idiom. “Hum Hyderabad mai bolte hai ki, pyaare, in cheezon ko dil pe mat lo, murde pe lo. To hum murde pe leke chorr dete hai usko (We have a saying in Hyderabad. Dear, do not take it to heart, take it to the grave. So, we take it to the grave and let it go),” he said.

Film’s Plot and Political Backdrop

The Dhurandhar franchise follows Indian spy Jaskirat Singh Rangi, alias Hamza Ali Mazari, played by Ranveer Singh. The character is sent to Lyari, Pakistan, by IB director Ajay Sanyal (R Madhavan) to infiltrate a Baloch gang and dismantle a terror outfit. The films draw from real-life geopolitical events and have been noted for their layered portrayal of intelligence operations.

The sequel, which sees the return of actors Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi among others, has been released in multiple South Indian languages alongside Hindi. The expanded release strategy has contributed to its strong box office performance.

Box Office Success Continues

Despite the criticism, Dhurandhar 2 has maintained a record-breaking run. According to trade figures, the film has collected over ₹715 crore in India and surpassed ₹1128 crore worldwide since its release. The first instalment, released in December 2025, had collected ₹840 crore domestically and over ₹1300 crore globally.

The sequel is now on track to outperform the original, making it the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2026 so far. The production is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Aditya and Lokesh Dhar under Jio Studios and B62 Studios.

Political Reactions and Public Discourse

Owaisi’s remarks add a political dimension to the film’s ongoing box office success. While the filmmaker and lead cast have not responded to the criticism, the controversy has sparked debate on social media, with supporters and detractors of the film weighing in on its portrayal of community dynamics.

Industry observers note that political reactions to mainstream films are not uncommon, particularly when storylines intersect with real-world geopolitical themes. The Dhurandhar franchise, with its focus on cross-border intelligence operations, has drawn both acclaim for its craft and scrutiny for its political undertones.

What’s Next

With the film still in theatres and its box office momentum showing no signs of slowing, the makers are yet to announce any official response to the criticism. Meanwhile, trade analysts expect Dhurandhar 2 to continue its record run through the coming weeks, with potential expansion into additional international markets.

Arjun Rampal Witnessed 26/11 on His Birthday

Actor Arjun Rampal made a deeply personal revelation at the Hello! Hall of Fame Awards in Mumbai on March 22, 2026. His birthday falls on November 26 — the exact date the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks shook the nation. What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into one of the most traumatic experiences of his life, and as per reports, that memory never left him.

The actor's candid account quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening, drawing attention across India news updates and entertainment portals alike.

Rampal Was at Hotel That Night

Rampal had originally planned to ring in his birthday at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Colaba — one of the primary targets of the coordinated terror siege. However, circumstances placed him at the Four Seasons Hotel in Worli when the first explosion tore through the city.

What began as a festive evening shifted dramatically within moments. Sources indicated that Rampal, like hundreds of others across Mumbai that night, had no immediate understanding of what was unfolding outside.

Glass Shook, Chaos Followed

"I heard that sound and the whole glass kind of shook and rattled," Rampal recalled, describing the moment the blast reverberated through the hotel. Initial information circulating on the ground pointed to a gang war in Colaba, with no one yet grasping the coordinated scale of the attack.

Within minutes, reports of gunfire, hostage situations, and multiple simultaneous strikes began filtering through. The atmosphere inside the hotel shifted from confusion to controlled alarm as staff scrambled to secure the premises.

Hotel Locked Down Within Minutes

Hotel management moved quickly. Within 20 to 30 minutes, the Four Seasons was fully cordoned off and guests were informed it was unsafe to leave. Rampal was moved to a suite for the night as Mumbai braced for what would become a 60-hour siege across multiple locations.

He spent his birthday — a date that should have carried celebration — watching the horrors of the 26/11 attacks unfold in real time through news broadcasts and the sounds filtering in from the city outside. As per reports, the experience left a permanent mark on him.

Morning After Left Him Shaken

The following morning brought little relief. As Rampal made his way home through a city still reeling from the carnage, the emotional weight of the previous night caught up with him fully.

According to the actor, he was forced to stop his car at least three times during the drive. The physical toll of what he had witnessed — the sounds, the fear, the scale of the tragedy — left him unable to continue without pausing to collect himself. It was, by his own account, one of the hardest mornings of his life.

Dhurandhar Role Felt Personal

Years later, when filmmaker Aditya Dhar sat down with Rampal to narrate the 26/11 sequence in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, something clicked immediately. The actor did not approach the role as a craft exercise — he approached it as unfinished emotional business.

"When Aditya Dhar narrated to me the 26/11 scene, I knew I was going to have my revenge," Rampal said, with visible conviction. He described channelling years of suppressed grief and anger into every scene, determined to do justice to the victims and survivors of that night.

The statement resonated widely, with audiences and industry insiders alike recognising the rare authenticity behind his words. This was not a promotional soundbite — it was a public interest story rooted in lived experience.

Rampal Plays ISI Handler in Film

In Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Arjun Rampal plays Major Iqbal, an ISI operative portrayed as one of the key architects and coordinators of the 26/11 attacks. The character is shown actively communicating with the attackers during the siege, celebrating as the carnage unfolds.

It is a deeply unsettling role — and one that Rampal, given his personal history with that night, clearly did not take lightly. According to sources close to the production, his preparation for the character went well beyond conventional research, drawing directly from emotional memory.

The contrast between his real-life trauma as a bystander and his on-screen portrayal of a perpetrator gives the performance an edge that critics have taken note of since the film's release.

Film Crosses ₹761 Crore Globally

Released on March 19, Dhurandhar: The Revenge crossed ₹761 crore at the global box office within its opening weekend alone, as per trade reports. The film is firmly on course to breach the ₹1,000 crore mark, placing it among the biggest Bollywood openings in recent memory.

The numbers reflect not just the film's star power but also the strong public appetite for stories rooted in national memory and real events. Trending news India searches around the film spiked sharply following its release weekend.

Cast Includes Bollywood Heavyweights

Dhurandhar: The Revenge brings together one of the strongest ensemble casts assembled for an Indian action thriller in recent years. The film stars Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun alongside Rampal.

Each casting choice carries weight within the narrative, and early audience response has pointed to strong performances across the board. The film's release has sparked renewed national conversation around the 26/11 attacks and their lasting impact on India's security and collective psyche.

Arjun Rampal's firsthand account of witnessing the attacks adds a dimension few Bollywood releases can claim — a direct human connection between the artist, the event, and the story being told on screen.

The sequel that India was waiting for has arrived. It is bigger, bloodier and bolder. But one absence cuts deeper than any action sequence.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge — directed by Aditya Dhar and released on March 19, 2026 — is not just a sequel. It is a statement. The first part grossed over Rs 1,300 crore worldwide and became the highest-grossing Hindi film in India's domestic history. The second part has opened with a Rs 236.63 crore worldwide gross on Day 1 alone, beating every Hindi film before it — Jawan, Pathaan, every record — to become the biggest opening day in Bollywood history. Industry analysts are now saying Aamir Khan's Dangal's nine-year record of Rs 2,000 crore all-time gross is genuinely under threat.

Ranveer Singh — Superstar Mode Fully Unlocked

If Part 1 was Akshaye Khanna's film — where Ranveer played second fiddle to a towering villain — Part 2 is entirely Ranveer Singh's universe. As Jaskirat Singh Rangi transforming into the feared Hamza Ali Mazari — covert Indian intelligence agent operating deep inside Karachi's criminal and political underworld — Ranveer goes to places most actors simply cannot follow. The silent gaze. The bloodthirsty eyes in the climax. The emotionally charged moments of vulnerability when Jaskirat's loneliness surfaces. Taran Adarsh called it career-defining. Koimoi said you fall in love with him all over again. DNA India says he will be the biggest superstar of 2026 and a genuine threat to the Khans. Every frame he inhabits — he owns.

The runtime is 235 minutes — nearly four hours — and not a minute feels wasted.

Arjun Rampal — The Scene Stealer Nobody Saw Coming

In a film full of powerhouse performances — the actor generating the most electricity is Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal. Cold. Calculated. Menacing. He enters the second half and takes complete ownership of the narrative. His ten-minute confrontation with his father is being called the single most powerful scene in the film — a masterclass in restraint that builds into an explosion. His eventual face-off with Ranveer Singh is already being called the best villain-hero clash in recent Bollywood memory. As veteran critic Shobhaa De noted — Arjun Rampal chewed up the screen in ways that reminded audiences why this actor, when given the right material, is genuinely exceptional.

The Supporting Cast — Solid All Around

Sanjay Dutt as SSP Chaudhary Aslam dominates the first half as the primary antagonist before giving way to Rampal in the second. His cartoonish menace is exactly what the role demands and he delivers it with full commitment. R Madhavan as IB Director Ajay Sanyal is a beauty — precise, authoritative and deeply watchable even with limited screen time. Sara Arjun has substantially more to do this time — she is not just a supporting presence but a full character with emotional stakes. Rakesh Bedi as politician Jameel Jamali is the film's biggest surprise — a performance of cunning vulnerability that the audience never saw coming. Danish Pandor as Uzair Baloch brings a terrifying physicality to a role that includes some of the film's most disturbing sequences. Allu Arjun, Vijay Deverakonda and Preity Zinta all praised the film publicly after screenings — with Preity summing it up simply — revenge ho toh Dhurandhar jaisa ho, warna na ho.

The One Wound the Film Cannot Heal — Akshaye Khanna

Here is the painful truth. Part 1 was great because of Ranveer Singh and because Akshaye Khanna's Rehman Dakait was one of the finest villain performances in Indian cinema history. Cold, charming, terrifying and ultimately human — Khanna elevated every scene he was in. In Part 2 — Rehman Dakait is dead. And his absence creates a void that even Arjun Rampal's excellent work cannot entirely fill. As Shobhaa De observed — Akshaye Khanna was so missed. The film acknowledges this — it builds its entire opening around the aftermath of Rehman's death — but no acknowledgement can substitute for the real thing. Aditya Dhar is a smart enough filmmaker to know this, and the film works despite that loss. But it never quite reaches the emotional heights of Part 1 because of it.

The Controversy — Propaganda or Patriotism?

Dhurandhar 2 has reignited the debate that followed Part 1. Is it patriotic cinema or state-sponsored propaganda? Rakesh Bedi, speaking to NDTV, refused to accept the propaganda label — saying everyone has the right to like or dislike a film but putting it in a category is unfair. The film draws heavily from real events — the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, ISI operations, the Baloch underworld — and blends them with fiction in ways that are deliberately designed to generate strong emotional responses. Some will call it dangerous. Most audiences simply call it cinema.

Verdict

Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a blockbuster by every definition. Ranveer Singh delivers the performance of his career. Arjun Rampal reminds India what it has been missing. Aditya Dhar delivers a sequel that is bigger, sharper and more brutal than its predecessor. The absence of Akshaye Khanna is the only scar on an otherwise extraordinary achievement. See it on the biggest screen you can find.