The highly anticipated film 'Dhurandhar 2' (Dhurandhar: The Revenge), directed by Aditya Dhar, has become embroiled in a significant controversy ahead of its global release. The Sikh community has raised strong objections regarding the portrayal of the lead character played by actor Ranveer Singh. The dispute arose following the release of the film's promotional material, which allegedly depicts the character engaging in activities that conflict with religious tenets. Scheduled for release on 19 March 2026, the film now faces scrutiny from religious organizations and social activists who claim the portrayal is insensitive to the community's sentiments.
Legal Notice and Primary Objections
Vicky Thomas Singh, a social activist based in Maharashtra, has formally challenged the depiction of Ranveer Singh's character, 'Jaskirat Singh', in the film, while he has dispatched a legal notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The notice asserts that certain sequences in the film negatively impact the public image of the Sikh community. According to the complainant, the filmmakers have shown a character identifying as a Sikh participating in acts that are strictly forbidden within the faith. The legal action seeks immediate intervention from the authorities to address these concerns before the film reaches theaters.
Religious Sensitivities and Smoking Prohibition in Sikhism
The core of the objection lies in the depiction of the Sikh character smoking, while the legal notice elaborates that according to the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct), the consumption of tobacco and smoking is strictly prohibited and considered a grave religious transgression. In the trailer of 'Dhurandhar 2', Ranveer Singh's character is reportedly seen smoking while maintaining his Sikh identity. Vicky Thomas Singh argues that such a portrayal isn't only religiously insensitive but also risks misrepresenting Sikh values to a global audience. The notice demands the immediate removal of all smoking scenes involving the Sikh character from the film, trailers, posters, and all other promotional materials. On top of that, it calls for a public apology from the producers for hurting religious sentiments.
Character Profile: Jaskirat Singh Rangi's Role
In 'Dhurandhar 2', Ranveer Singh portrays 'Jaskirat Singh Rangi', a fictional Indian intelligence operative. The narrative follows his journey as he infiltrates enemy territories in Pakistan to gather critical intelligence for India. To maintain his cover, the character enters the Lyari region under the alias 'Hamza Ali Mazari'. While the first installment of the franchise established Jaskirat Singh as a prisoner undergoing rigorous training, the sequel aims to dive into deeper into his undercover operations and personal sacrifices. However, the creative decision to include smoking scenes for a character with a distinct religious identity has now overshadowed the film's espionage-themed plot.
Release Schedule and Promotional Activities
The production house has planned an extensive rollout for 'Dhurandhar 2'. While the official worldwide release is set for 19 March 2026, the makers have scheduled a special 'paid preview' on 18 March to capitalize on the pre-release buzz. Reports indicate that ticket prices for these early screenings have reached record highs due to immense audience interest. The film had initially generated positive momentum following its high-octane trailer; however, the current legal challenge and the demands from the Sikh community have introduced an element of uncertainty regarding the final theatrical version and its certification by the CBFC.
Production Details and Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Aditya Dhar, known for the National Award-winning 'Uri: The Surgical Strike', 'Dhurandhar 2' features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt. The film is produced on a massive scale with high production values and international-standard action sequences. Despite the creative efforts of the cast and crew, the production team is now faced with the task of addressing the legal notice. The outcome of this controversy will depend on the response from the filmmakers and the subsequent decisions made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the censor board.