Ranveer Singh’s Epic Sequel Sparks Buzz, Controversy

MUMBAI, India — Bollywood’s most anticipated action thriller sequel, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, is set to storm theaters worldwide on March 19, 2026, with paid previews kicking off in India on March 18. The film, a direct continuation of the 2025 blockbuster “Dhurandhar,” has generated massive hype following its explosive trailer, early censor screenings and a fresh wave of viral reviews — even as it navigates controversy over promotional materials and community objections.

Directed, written and produced by Aditya Dhar under Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the 3-hour-49-minute epic (certified ‘A’ by India’s Central Board of Film Certification on March 17) picks up where the first installment left off. Ranveer Singh reprises his role as Hamza Ali Mazari — the undercover alias of Indian agent Jaskirat Singh Rangi — who delves deeper into Pakistan’s criminal underworld to track down a powerful antagonist known as Majo while confronting personal betrayals and escalating threats.

The cast boasts a powerhouse ensemble: Sanjay Dutt as S.P. Choudhary Aslam, Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, Sara Arjun as Yalina Jamali and others in pivotal roles. Yami Gautam, who makes a cameo, praised the film in late February as “beyond extraordinary” and “an experience the audience will never forget.” The sequel was shot back-to-back with the original, principal photography wrapping in October 2025 after starting in Bangkok in July 2024.

The first film, released December 5, 2025, became a massive commercial hit despite mixed critical reception, grossing huge figures and sparking debates over its portrayal of espionage and India-Pakistan dynamics. It was banned in several Gulf countries over specific dialogue and re-released globally in March 2026 to build momentum for the sequel. A post-credits tease in the original confirmed the duology’s second part.

The “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” trailer, dropped in early March, has been widely lauded for its gritty, bloodier tone, high-octane action sequences, dark humor and Ranveer Singh’s commanding performance. Reviewers described it as teasing a “baahubali-level” spectacle, with Dhar’s direction promising intense backstory revelations on Hamza’s transformation and vendetta. Music by Shashwat Sachdev, including the viral track “Aari Aari,” adds to the cinematic fire.

Early buzz exploded after overseas censor screenings. Dubai-based critic and censor board member Umair Sandhu posted a glowing review on March 13, calling the film “the Baahubali 2 of this era” and giving it 5 stars, claiming it left him “speechless” and predicting 3000 crore worldwide collections. He hailed Ranveer’s “lifetime performance” and Dhar’s comeback vision, declaring Pushpa and Baahubali series pale in comparison. Other first reactions echoed praise for the first half’s “zabardast” pacing and overall “crazy cinema.”

However, not all early feedback has gone unchallenged. Some alleged positive reviews went viral on social media, prompting Ranveer Singh’s fans to call out potential “fake reviews” and planted hype. Discussions on platforms like Reddit and X highlight cautious optimism, with fans excited but wary of overpromising after the first film’s polarizing reception.

The film faces fresh controversy just days before release. Reports emerged March 18 that a Sikh community member issued a legal notice to the makers, Ranveer Singh, CBFC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting over an AI-generated promotional poster. The image reportedly shows Singh’s character in a turban while holding a cigarette, drawing objections for alleged misrepresentation. The issue has sparked online debates about sensitivity in character portrayal.

Marketing remains aggressive. The original “Dhurandhar” received a rare worldwide re-release starting March 12 (India) and March 13 (overseas) on about 500 screens to refresh audiences ahead of the sequel. Premieres for “The Revenge” are slated March 18 in the U.S. and Canada on premium large-format screens, a format usually reserved for major Hollywood events.

Industry observers predict a blockbuster opening, with pre-sales and advance bookings surging amid festive timing coinciding with Gudi Padwa, Ugadi and Eid al-Fitr. Projections from trade sources suggest strong potential in domestic and overseas markets, especially in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam versions alongside Hindi.

Speculation about a third installment swirled after reports that makers urged Dhar to consider expanding the saga, though the director has expressed interest in reuniting with Singh for a mythological action project instead. For now, focus remains on delivering a satisfying conclusion to the duology.

As theaters prepare for packed houses, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” stands as one of 2026’s biggest cinematic events — a high-stakes blend of patriotism, revenge, espionage and star power. Whether it lives up to the hype or faces backlash over content sensitivities, the film is poised to dominate conversations this week. Audiences can expect non-stop action, emotional depth and Ranveer Singh at his intense best when it hits screens March 19.