Ranveer Singh's highly anticipated film 'Dhurandhar 2' was released in theaters today, March 19, 2026. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is officially titled 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. With the film's release, the biggest mystery that had kept audiences and the film industry curious for the past year has been unveiled, while the identity of the mysterious character 'Bade Sahab' has been revealed, ending months of speculation on social media regarding which major star would portray the role.
The first installment, 'Dhurandhar', released in 2025, shattered several box office records globally. Since the success of the first part, there has been immense excitement among the audience regarding the identity of the primary antagonist. 'Dhurandhar 2' continues the story of Hamza (Jaskirat Singh Rangi), brought to life on screen by Ranveer Singh. The advance booking figures had already indicated that this film was set to write a new chapter in the history of Indian cinema.
Reveal of 'Bade Sahab' Identity
Since the release of the first 'Dhurandhar', the question of who 'Bade Sahab' is remained a central topic of discussion. In the first film, the character was only mentioned but never shown on screen. For months, there were speculations that actors like Emraan Hashmi, Salman Khan, or Akshay Kumar might play this pivotal role. However, with the film's release, it has become clear that the role of 'Bade Sahab' was given to a seasoned actor rather than a mainstream superstar. The character is based on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and is portrayed by actor Danish Iqbal.
Danish Iqbal's Portrayal and Background
Danish Iqbal is a distinguished theater artist and director who has brought a new depth to this complex character through his acting prowess. Iqbal was previously acclaimed for his brilliant performance as Dilshad Mirza in the OTT series 'Maharani 2'. Recently, he was also seen in a significant role in Nana Patekar's film 'Sankalp'. His casting in 'Dhurandhar 2' demonstrates director Aditya Dhar's preference for character depth and acting skills over mere star power.
Character Depiction and Narrative Context
The character of 'Bade Sahab' is presented in a very realistic and somber manner in the film, while although Danish Iqbal's screen time is limited, his influence persists throughout the narrative. The character is shown as elderly and suffering from various ailments, aided by extensive prosthetic makeup. According to the plot, the character is bedridden and survives on heavy machinery and oxygen support. He's depicted battling kidney disease while plotting against India. Ranveer Singh's character is introduced to 'Bade Sahab' by Major Iqbal (Arjun Rampal). The film also features glimpses of the don's younger days through photographs and brief sequences.
Ensemble Cast and Production Details
In this epic saga, several veteran actors have returned to their roles alongside Ranveer Singh. Rakesh Bedi, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt have reprised their characters from the previous installment. The screenplay has been developed as a direct sequel to the 2025 blockbuster 'Dhurandhar'. Initial reviews have praised the technical aspects of the film, particularly the cinematography and background score. The production is on a grand scale, featuring international-standard action sequences.
Box Office Performance and Audience Reception
According to distributors and theater owners, 'Dhurandhar 2' is benefiting Importantly from the Eid holidays. The hype generated by the teasers and trailers during the promotion is now translating into numbers at the ticket window. Most multiplexes and single-screen theaters across the country are displaying 'Housefull' boards. Trade analysts suggest that the film's opening has been historic and it's poised to set several new records in the coming days. The audience is particularly discussing Danish Iqbal's look and Ranveer Singh's high-octane action sequences.