Dhurandhar Movie: Dhurandhar's 'Bade Sahab': Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Mastermind

Aditya Dhar's latest cinematic offering, 'Dhurandhar', has taken the box office by storm. Since its release 15 days ago, shattering old records and setting new benchmarks daily. The film, a gripping 3-hour and 32-minute epic, has defied conventional wisdom that audiences shy away from lengthy features, successfully holding viewers captive throughout its substantial runtime. Beyond its commercial success, 'Dhurandhar' has sparked a fervent discussion among its audience, centering on one pivotal question: Who exactly is 'Bade Sahab'? This shadowy figure, whose directives are followed by key characters like SP. Aslam and Major Iqbal, remains the ultimate enigma of the film's first installment.

Dhurandhar's Box Office Domination

The film's performance at the box office has been nothing short of phenomenal. 'Dhurandhar' has not only garnered immense critical acclaim but has also translated that into unprecedented commercial success. Its ability to keep audiences engaged for over three and a half hours speaks volumes about its compelling narrative, tight screenplay, and powerful performances. Every character, from Ranveer Singh's portrayal of Hamza to Akshaye Khanna's menacing Rahman Dacoit and Arjun Rampal's intense Major Iqbal, has resonated deeply with viewers, contributing to the film's widespread appeal and record-breaking run, while the film has proven that quality storytelling, when executed well, can overcome perceived audience preferences for shorter formats.

The Enigmatic 'Bade Sahab'

At the heart of 'Dhurandhar's' lingering mystery is the character referred to only as 'Bade Sahab'. This powerful, unseen entity is depicted as the ultimate puppet master, pulling strings from behind the scenes and orchestrating events that impact the lives of protagonists and antagonists alike. Characters such as SP Chaudhary Aslam, played by Sanjay Dutt, and Major Iqbal, portrayed by Arjun Rampal, frequently mention 'Bade Sahab', indicating his pervasive influence and authority over their actions and the broader network of operations depicted in the film. The first part deliberately leaves his identity shrouded in secrecy, building immense anticipation for the sequel.

Fan Theories Emerge

With the identity of 'Bade Sahab' deliberately withheld in the. First part, social media platforms have become a hotbed of speculation. Given that many characters in 'Dhurandhar' are inspired by real-life figures, audiences have. Naturally begun to theorize about the real-world counterparts who might inspire 'Bade Sahab'. These theories range from notorious underworld figures to infamous global terrorists, each offering a plausible explanation based on the film's narrative hints and historical context. The intense debate underscores the film's success in creating a deeply engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Theory 1: Dawood Ibrahim

One of the most prominent theories circulating among fans suggests that 'Bade Sahab' could be none other than Dawood Ibrahim, the notorious Indian underworld don. This speculation gained further traction when viewers noted the inclusion of a character named Dawood Ibrahim in the cast list, with actor Danish Iqbal potentially stepping into this significant role. While the filmmakers have yet to confirm any details, the historical context of Ibrahim's operations and his alleged. Influence over various illicit networks align with the shadowy, controlling nature attributed to 'Bade Sahab' within the film's universe.

Theory 2: Masood Azhar

Another compelling theory links 'Bade Sahab' to Masood Azhar, the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed. This theory draws strength from an early scene in 'Dhurandhar' that depicts the infamous Kandahar hijack incident. In this sequence, R. Madhavan's character, Ajay Sanyal, is shown negotiating for the release of Indian hostages. Historically, this negotiation led to the release of Masood Azhar, along with Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, while the inclusion of this pivotal historical event in the film's narrative strongly suggests a connection to Azhar, positioning him as a potential candidate for the powerful, behind-the-scenes orchestrator.

Theory 3: Osama Bin Laden

A third theory posits that 'Bade Sahab' could be Osama bin Laden, the founder of al-Qaeda. This perspective gains credibility from the film's timeline, which is set during a period when Osama bin Laden. Was alive and actively involved in orchestrating global terror attacks and allegedly influencing political landscapes, particularly in Pakistan. The idea of a 'puppet master' operating from the shadows, controlling a vast network of terror and political machinations, aligns well with the historical perception of bin Laden's role, making him a strong contender in the ongoing fan discussions.

The Grand Reveal in Part 2

While the first installment of 'Dhurandhar' masterfully maintains the suspense surrounding 'Bade Sahab's' identity, it has been confirmed that the highly anticipated Part 2 will finally lift the veil on this colossal mystery, while the sheer scale of the terrorist network depicted in the film strongly implies that 'Bade Sahab' must be a figure of immense significance and power. Audiences are now eagerly awaiting the sequel, which is slated for release on March 19, 2026, to witness the grand revelation that promises to be a pivotal moment in the 'Dhurandhar' saga.

Filming Marathon: Both Parts in 16 Months

Adding to the intrigue, actor Danish Pandor, who plays the character of Uzair Baloch, recently shared insights into the production timeline, while he revealed that filming for 'Dhurandhar' commenced in July 2024, and remarkably, both parts of the film were completed by October. This means director Aditya Dhar and his team managed to shoot both extensive installments within approximately 16 months, a testament to their efficiency and meticulous planning, while the sequel is currently in its post-production phase, with the team diligently working to bring the remaining secrets and thrilling narrative to the big screen. The swift completion of both parts highlights the ambitious scope of the project and the dedication of its creators to deliver a comprehensive story.