The Indian film industry was abuzz with the release of Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller film Dhurandhar featuring Ranveer Singh. It became one of the highest grosser ever and received raves for its edge-of-the-seat action, terrific suspense and powerhouse performances by an ensemble of producers. And with the grand success of Part 1 generating enormous buzz, Dhurandhar Part 2 is poised to expand the story even larger. Here’s a complete, easy-to-read overview, including the story and success of the first part.
The Story of Dhurandhar Part 1
Dhurandhar (Part 1) It is a high stakes spy thriller that has taken cues from real geopolitical happenings such as the IC-814 hijacking in 1999; attack on Indian Parliament complex in December 2001 and the November 26, 2008 multiple attacks in Mumbai. It is the sequel to 2006 film Operation, A covert mission in Pakistan, but Dhurandhar is a stand-alone movie and it does not have any influence on the first part.
Hathirrai ’s cast includes Ranveer Singh as Hamza Ali Mazari (aka Jaskirat Singh Rangi), a fearless undercover Indian RAW agent who pierces the heart of Karachi’s infamous Lyari area—a locality known for gang wars, crime syndicates and ISI-backed activities. Hamza seduces the locals, advances in the underworld and garners credibility with two formidable characters: the charismatic but brutal Baloch leader Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna), who heads one of his city’s most powerful gangs while posing as a benevolent community caregiver.
The story is told in chapters, depicting Hamza’s yearslong infiltration, brutal betrayals, mind games and escalating showdowns. It delves into ideas of loyalty and betrayal, revenge, with Hamza moving through a treacherous world of gangbangers, terrorists and shadowy operatives. The movie leaves off on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger with major betrayals and loose ends, setting up the sequel for higher stakes all around in espionage, deception and action.
The storytelling is intense and multilayered, juxtaposing real historical events with fictional dramatics to become a whip-tight, patriotic spy yarn that served up 212 minutes of clench-jawed suspense.
Massive Success and Box Office Records of Part 1
Dhurandhar exceeded all expectations, becoming the highest grossing Hindi film of all time (and one of the top Indian films). Released in Hindi alone, it still posted impressive numbers:
- India Net Collection: Over ₹866 crore (with estimates pushing toward ₹900 crore+ in its extended run).
- India Gross: Around ₹1,023 crore.
- Overseas Gross: ₹284 crore (which includes sensational runs in North America too, where it grossed more than $21 million) the film now holds the record for being the highest-grossing Indian film in USA, beating Baahubali 2, Pathaan, RRR and Animal.
- Worldwide Gross: ₹1,306 crore as per reports (₹1,272–1,311 crore by mid-January 2026) grossing over ₹1,300 crore.
Key milestones:
- Entered the ₹1,000 Crore Club within three weeks.
- Became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
- Create History for the Longest Theatrical run, all-time highest domestic share in Hindi (over took Pushpa 2) and humongous over seas feat in USA, Canada, Australia.
- It earned over 285% of its reported ₹225 crore budget in returns, despite it having an ‘A’ certification, as well as facing challenges (local bans etc.).
The film’s viral moments—like Akshaye Khanna’s intense performance and songs—plus word-of-mouth praise for its craft, action, and Ranveer’s career-best role, made it a cultural phenomenon and the most successful Bollywood film in the post-COVID era.
Release Date and Pan-India Expansion for Part 2
Dhurandhar Part 2 is slated for a massive release with much fanfare on March 19, 2026, also Eid to make most of the festive crowds. Unlike in Part 1, it will be a completely pan-India film and releases in five languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. This release also caters to the massive South Indian demand at time of Part 1 run.
Star Cast: Epic Returns and More Intensity
Ranveer Singh returns as Hamza Ali Mazari, continuing his undercover journey. The biggest highlight is Akshaye Khanna reprising Rehman Dakait—despite his character’s fate in Part 1—thanks to massive fan demand (especially his viral “Sher-e-Baloch” moments). Special flashbacks, backstory, or reshoots (reportedly a one-week shoot) will bring him back with even more depth.
The powerhouse ensemble includes:
- Sanjay Dutt
- R. Madhavan
- Arjun Rampal
- Sara Arjun
- Rakesh Bedi
- Naveen Kaushik, Gaurav Gera, and others
Dhurandhar Part 2 Story Expectations: 50 Times Bigger Action and Twists
Dhurandhar Part 2 picks up from the cliffhanger, diving deeper into Hamza’s rise in terror networks, mind games with Major Iqbal, international espionage, and massive betrayals. Expect action, mystery, and manipulation scaled up 50 times bigger, with expanded universe elements and tighter secrecy (the script is under lockdown to prevent leaks).
The Epic Box Office Clash Ahead
March 19, 2026 will have a mammoth clash between Dhurandhar Part 2 and Yash’s Toxic (among others). This is becoming one of 2026’s defining showdowns!
Now, after the phenomenal success of Part 1 and pan-India appeal and unsolved mysteries in the last part makes for Part 2 is probably the most anticipated film of this year.The trailer is expected soon—get ready for more storm!