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Dhurandhar 2 Surpasses Baahubali 2 to Become Second-Highest Grossing Indian Film
Aditya Dhar’s action blockbuster “Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge” has cemented its place in Indian cinema history, becoming the second-highest-grossing Indian film globally, surpassing the previous record-holder “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.” Only “Dangal” now stands ahead of it in the all-time rankings.
The Ranveer Singh-led film, which released on March 19, 2026, has completed a remarkable 46-day theatrical run and is currently in its eighth week, continuing to draw audiences despite new releases entering the market.
Amid its commercial triumph, the film has sparked considerable debate in film circles and social media, with some critics labeling it as “propaganda” – a characterization that recently drew a thoughtful response from veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar.
At a city event where he received an award from a jewelry brand, Akhtar addressed the controversy surrounding the film. According to PTI, the respected industry veteran questioned the very definition of propaganda in cinema.
“I don’t quite understand what people mean when they call a film propaganda,” Akhtar said. “I thoroughly enjoyed Dhurandhar. It’s an excellent film, though personally, I found the first installment more appealing than the sequel.”
Akhtar elaborated on his perspective, noting that storytelling inherently involves taking positions. “Every story takes a stand, but does it become propaganda because the narrative doesn’t suit a section of the audience? Everyone has the right to propagate their ideas. What is wrong with propaganda films? The task of every filmmaker is to present the truth,” he remarked.
The veteran writer further explained that all narratives, even fantasy genres, typically carry underlying messages or perspectives. In his view, filmmakers have a responsibility to present what they believe is truthful, while audiences remain free to interpret and label films according to their own perspectives.
The “Dhurandhar” franchise has now achieved unprecedented commercial success in Indian cinema history, crossing the Rs 3,000 crore mark worldwide – a first for any Indian film series. This milestone underscores not only the growing global appeal of Indian cinema but also the expanding commercial potential of franchise filmmaking in the country.
The sequel features an impressive ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sara Arjun. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film has been praised for its production values, ambitious scale, and performances, generating substantial discussion among both critics and audiences.
Building on its domestic success, the film’s producers have announced an international expansion strategy. “Dhurandhar 2” is scheduled to release in Japan on July 10, 2026, marking another significant milestone in its global journey and potentially adding to its already impressive box office totals.
While the film did experience a predictable decline in daily collections after its initial weeks, occasionally dropping below the Rs 1 crore mark on slower days, its cumulative performance has been extraordinary enough to overtake “Baahubali 2” in the record books. This achievement is particularly notable considering the competitive theatrical landscape and the buzz surrounding other major releases during its run.
Industry analysts suggest that “Dhurandhar 2” has benefited from strong word-of-mouth, repeat viewings, and strategic theatrical distribution that maintained screen counts even as newer titles entered the marketplace. The film’s success also points to audiences’ continued willingness to support theatrical experiences for tentpole productions despite the growing influence of streaming platforms in the Indian entertainment ecosystem.
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10 Comments
The commercial performance of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is certainly impressive, surpassing even the mighty ‘Baahubali’ franchise. But the debate around its ‘propaganda’ element is an important one that deserves a thoughtful discussion, as Akhtar rightly points out.
I’m curious to learn more about Akhtar’s perspective. As a veteran voice in the industry, his views on the line between artistic expression and political messaging could provide valuable insight into this complex issue.
The success of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ highlights the power of blockbuster filmmaking in India. But the ongoing debate around its ‘propaganda’ angle shows that audiences are discerning and want nuanced, thought-provoking cinema, not just empty spectacle.
Agreed, Akhtar raises a fair point about the difficulty in defining ‘propaganda’ in cinema. It’s a subjective and often contentious term that merits deeper exploration, especially in the context of commercially successful films.
Interesting debate around this blockbuster film. I can see valid arguments on both sides – it’s a complex issue of balancing artistic expression, commercial success, and political messaging. Curious to hear more nuanced takes from industry veterans like Javed Akhtar.
Agreed, the definition of ‘propaganda’ in cinema is tricky. Filmmakers often aim to inspire patriotism or highlight certain narratives, but the line between that and outright propaganda can be blurry.
The box office performance of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is undeniably impressive, but the debate around its ‘propaganda’ elements is a valid one that deserves careful consideration. Akhtar’s perspective as an industry veteran could provide valuable nuance to this discussion.
I’m interested to see how this debate plays out and whether it leads to more thoughtful discussions around the role of politics in commercial Indian cinema. Striking the right balance is crucial for the industry’s long-term health.
The success of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is a testament to the power of big-budget, high-octane filmmaking in India. But the ongoing debate around its ‘propaganda’ elements highlights the need for more nuanced, socially conscious storytelling in the industry.
Akhtar’s comments raise important questions about the definition of ‘propaganda’ in cinema. As a respected veteran, his perspective could help provide much-needed clarity on this complex and often contentious issue.