Today : Feb 03, 2026
Arts & Culture
03 February 2026

Dhurandhar The Revenge Teaser Ignites Bollywood Frenzy

The blockbuster sequel starring Ranveer Singh promises higher stakes, deeper intrigue, and a major box office clash as fans and critics react to its first look.

Bollywood is buzzing with anticipation as the official teaser for Dhurandhar: The Revenge dropped on February 3, 2026, setting the stage for what many are calling the most hyped Hindi film of the year. With Ranveer Singh once again stepping into the shoes of the enigmatic Jaskirat Singh Rangi—who operates undercover as Hamza—the sequel promises to up the ante, both in terms of cinematic scale and narrative ambition. As the release date of March 19 approaches, coinciding with major Indian festivals like Eid, Gudi Padwa, and Ugadi, fans and industry insiders alike are bracing for a box office showdown of epic proportions.

The original Dhurandhar was nothing short of a phenomenon. Released on December 5, 2025, it quickly shattered records, earning a staggering ₹1300 crore worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing Hindi-language film of all time, according to Deadline and The Indian Express. The first film, directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, followed RAW agent Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh) as he infiltrated the Karachi underworld under the alias Hamza. The plot, packed with political intrigue and high-octane action, resonated with audiences, setting the bar sky-high for its sequel.

On February 3, 2026, director Aditya Dhar unveiled the sequel’s title and first look, declaring, “Ab Bigadne Ka Waqt Aa Gaya Hai. Dhurandhar: The Revenge.” The teaser, released at exactly 12:12 pm on the YouTube channels of Jio Studios and B62 Studios, as well as on social media, offered a brooding glimpse of Ranveer Singh’s character—soaked in blood, clad in a long black leather coat, and staring into the camera with a mix of rage and resolve. The poster’s visceral imagery and Dhar’s tagline set the tone for what he promises will be a darker, more aggressive chapter in the franchise.

Yet, not all fans were thrilled by the teaser. Many took to social media to voice their disappointment, noting that it appeared to reuse footage from the end of the first film. As one fan lamented on Reddit, “Part one ki ending ko hi Teaser bna diya.” X user @_Adil_Waseem echoed the sentiment, writing, “Dhurandhar will be not same without Him🙄,” referencing Akshaye Khanna’s absence as Rehman Dakait, whose character met his end in the previous installment. Marketing expert Varun Gupta told Variety India, “The biggest challenge is to meet the unprecedented expectations, and honestly, that's also the most exciting part.”

Despite the mixed reactions to the teaser, the excitement for Dhurandhar: The Revenge remains palpable. The sequel is set to expand the franchise’s universe, with a strategic release in five languages—Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam—reflecting its massive pan-Indian appeal. This is a notable shift from the first film, which was released only in Hindi in theaters, though it later became available on Netflix in multiple languages. For the sequel, distribution is expected to move to Jio Hotstar, with T-Series taking over as the music label from SaReGaMa, adding another layer of anticipation regarding the film’s soundtrack.

The story in Dhurandhar: The Revenge promises to delve deeper into the backstory of Ranveer Singh’s character. While the first film focused on Hamza’s covert mission in Karachi, the sequel will reportedly explore his real identity as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, an Indian operative whose transformation and motivations are set to take center stage. The narrative will also address the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, with the “revenge” in the title serving as a tribute to the innocent lives lost during those tragic events.

Supporting characters will also see expanded roles. R Madhavan’s Ajay Sanyal, who orchestrated the RAW operations in the first film, is set to become a mentor, training Hamza in advanced espionage and warfare. Madhavan himself confirmed to Bollywood Hungama that his role will be “much more prominent this time.” Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal will receive greater depth, with the sequel exploring his personal motivations and adding new layers to his character. Sara Arjun, reprising her role as Yalina Jamali, teased to NDTV that audiences should expect “much more” action, emotion, and layered storytelling than before.

There’s also significant intrigue surrounding the film’s antagonists and unresolved mysteries. The character of ‘Bade Sahab,’ hinted at in conversations between Sanjay Dutt’s SP Chaudhary Aslam and Rakesh Bedi’s Jameel Jamali, remains shrouded in secrecy, fueling fan theories about his true identity and influence over the terror network in Pakistan. The sequel is expected to finally reveal who has been pulling the strings behind the scenes.

The real-life inspirations behind some characters add another layer of complexity and realism. Chaudhary Aslam, played by Sanjay Dutt, is based on the real Pakistani police officer who was assassinated by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in 2014. Similarly, R Madhavan’s Ajay Sanyal is said to be inspired by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. These nods to real-world figures and events lend the franchise an air of authenticity, even as it spins a high-stakes fictional narrative.

Music, a crucial part of the first film’s success, is also under scrutiny. The original soundtrack, a mix of new tracks and revamped classics, was widely praised. With T-Series now at the helm, fans are eager to see if the sequel can replicate that magic. The shift in music labels is just one of several changes that signal the producers’ intent to go bigger and bolder in every department.

Of course, the March 19 release date sets up a dramatic box office clash with Yash’s Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas. Both films are scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on the same day, sparking speculation about a fierce battle for screens and audience attention. Yash, still riding high from the historic success of his KGF films, brings formidable competition, but Dhurandhar: The Revenge enters the fray as “the most hyped Hindi film of the year,” as described by The Indian Express.

On the business front, Jio Studios made headlines on February 3, 2026, by acquiring a 50.1% stake in Sikhya Entertainment for ₹150 crore, further consolidating its position in the Indian film industry. This move underscores the growing trend of major studios seeking to expand their content portfolios and distribution networks in an increasingly competitive market.

Amidst all the speculation, controversy, and sky-high expectations, one thing is clear: Dhurandhar: The Revenge is poised to be a defining moment for Bollywood in 2026. Whether it can surpass the legacy of its predecessor and live up to the feverish anticipation remains to be seen, but for now, the stage is set for a cinematic spectacle that promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences and the industry alike.