Does the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar finally cement Ranveer Singh’s comeback and the Ranbir Kapoor Vs Ranveer debate?

 

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All Hail Akshaye Khanna and Aditya Dhar

Audiences are only raving about Akshaye Khanna, whose portrayal of crime kingpin Rehman Dakait forms the backbone of Dhurandhar. His scenes, particularly the one where he is vibing to the viral track FA9LA, have captured widespread attention, resonating even beyond India. For many, the film marks a renaissance for Akshaye Khanna, introducing his magnetic presence to a new, younger audience. Equally, Aditya Dhar’s vision has drawn praise from both viewers and industry insiders, including filmmakers like Ram Gopal Varma and Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

Akshaye Khanna in a still from Dhurandhar.

In an era dominated by YRF’s spy universe and OTT hits like The Family Man and Special Ops, Aditya Dhar’s decision to position Dhurandhar, (originally a tale of espionage) as a gangster saga set in Pakistan was a masterstroke. His ear for music, (with compositions by Shashwat Sachdev), further elevates the film, so whether it’s the reimagined folk ballad Jogi, the soulful Ishq Jalkar, or the catchy Lutt Le Gaya, these tracks have already become cultural touchstones.

Also Read | Dhurandhar’s real-life Chaudhry Aslam faced suspensions, constant threats, says protege: ‘He took out a glock, put it on…’

Ranveer Singh: The Star Factor

Despite a strong ensemble cast, Dhurandhar was always marketed as a Ranveer Singh vehicle, with the first look released on his birthday and showcasing him prominently. Yet, post-release, conversations about the film rarely revolve around him, except for a scene during the 26/11 attacks, where viewers cannot stop raving about him. In that sense, it can be argued that his character, Hamza, carries the heaviest load for the promised second part, set to release on Eid 2026, as he completes only half of his mission in the first installment.

Indeed, the film’s impressive Rs 28 crore opening day and soaring total collection suggest a massive success. However, he has had a moderate to disappointing run ever since the pandemic with Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (Rs 153.55 crore), Cirkus (Rs 38.64 crore), and Jayeshbhai Jordaar (Rs 12 crore).

Also Read | Dhurandhar pushes a bigoted vision, gaslighting the audience into accepting it as entertainment

Can Ranveer Match Ranbir?

The perennial Ranveer Singh versus Ranbir Kapoor debate is back. The two remain the foremost actors of their generation in Hindi cinema and the heirs to the superstar tag. Pre-pandemic, Ranveer occasionally outpaced Ranbir at the box office, but post-pandemic, Ranbir has consolidated his position with consecutive success like Brahmastra (Rs 267.2 crore), Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (Rs 147.28 crore), and Animal (Rs 553.87 crore). In fact, globally, Animal earned Rs 915 crore, still ahead of Dhurandhar.

Ranbir’s upcoming projects, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, Nitish Tiwari’s two-part Ramayan, and Animal Park with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, promise to strengthen his dominance. Rumours also link him to the next Dhoom installment. Ranveer, meanwhile, has Dhurandhar 2 lined up, with potential projects like Don 3 with Farhan Akhtar, while other planned ventures like Rakshas, a new-age Shaktimaan adaptation, and a film with Shankar have fallen through. All eyes are now on Dhurandhar 2. The post-credits scene at the end of the first part hints at a ‘beast mode’ performance from Ranveer in the next installment, propelling him into stratosphere.