First Review: Dhurandhar 2 Celebrated as ‘Birth Of A New Cinematic Order’
Dhurandhar 2 First Review: The countdown to one of Bollywood’s biggest action spectacles of 2026 has reached its peak. Dhurandhar: The Revenge, headlined by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, has already ignited intense conversation even before its official release.
With paid previews rolling out on March 18 and a global theatrical release set for March 19, the film has now received its first high-profile reaction and it’s nothing short of surprises.
The first review comes from none other than filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, known for his unfiltered opinions and sharp cinematic perspective. After attending a special screening, Varma took to social media to deliver a reaction that has left the industry stunned.
Calling the film a “birth of a new cinematic order”, Varma didn’t hold back. He compared its scale and impact to iconic classics, even suggesting it surpasses legendary films like Sholay and Mughal-e-Azam in sheer magnitude.
According to him, Dhurandhar: The Revenge delivers:
- Massive audience euphoria
- Groundbreaking cinematic grammar
- A powerful psychological audio-visual experience
- Box office potential on an unprecedented scale
In an unusually dramatic endorsement, he even urged global auteurs like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan to watch the film on its opening day.
Is the Hype Real or Overblown?
While Varma’s praise has generated immense curiosity, it has also triggered skepticism. Known for his provocative takes, his statement has divided film enthusiasts into believers, who see this as a sign of a cinematic revolution, and skeptics, who question whether the praise is exaggerated.
Early industry chatter suggests that the film’s scale, action design, and narrative ambition are indeed massive, but whether it lives up to the “game-changing” tag remains to be seen once audiences step into theatres.
Advance Booking Storm: Dhurandhar 2’s Massive Pre-Release Revenue
Even before hitting theatres, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has delivered a jaw-dropping financial performance, signaling what could be a historic box office run.
The film has already crossed ₹150 crore in advance bookings worldwide, with over 17 lakh tickets sold, while total opening weekend pre-sales (including block bookings) are estimated to touch ₹200 crore globally. Paid preview shows alone have generated close to ₹48 crore in India, with opening day advance bookings hovering around ₹33 crore.
Overseas markets have responded equally strongly, with North America alone crossing $9 million in pre-sales, reflecting massive global anticipation.
Trade experts are calling this surge a “box office tsunami”, predicting that the film could earn ₹45-50 crore from previews alone and potentially cross ₹200 crore within its opening window. These numbers place Dhurandhar 2 among the biggest advance booking performers in Indian cinema history.
Aditya Dhar’s Vision: Bigger, Bolder, Riskier
After the success of the first installment, Aditya Dhar appears to have scaled up every aspect of the sequel. Known for his precision-driven storytelling, Dhar is reportedly pushing boundaries with larger set pieces, more intricate action choreography, and a darker narrative tone.
The sequel is said to blend global cinematic influences with rooted storytelling, creating a hybrid style that could redefine mainstream Bollywood action. If early reactions are any indication, Dhar’s gamble may well reshape expectations from big-ticket Hindi films.
Dhurandhar 2 CBFC Certification & Runtime
Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an A (Adults Only) certificate, highlighting its darker and more intense storytelling approach.
One of the biggest talking points is its extended runtime of 229.6 minutes (3 hours 49 minutes), making it around 15 minutes longer than its predecessor. While such a lengthy duration has sparked debate around pacing and audience retention, insiders suggest the makers have intentionally preserved the longer cut to fully explore the film’s layered espionage narrative and high-stakes action.
The A certification further indicates a shift in tone, with the sequel embracing more graphic action, mature political undertones, and a grittier world. The story follows Ranveer Singh’s Hamza Ali Mazari as he dives deeper into Karachi’s underworld, navigating terror networks, complex conspiracies, and ruthless adversaries, making this installment significantly darker and more intense than the first film.
Dhurandhar 2 Plot: A High-Stakes Espionage Saga
The film continues the journey of Hamza Ali Mazari, an undercover operative caught in a dangerous web of international espionage. As he ventures deeper into enemy territory, the stakes rise dramatically, with shifting loyalties, hidden agendas, and powerful adversaries shaping his mission.
The narrative builds toward a confrontation with a formidable antagonist, reportedly played by Arjun Rampal, while also teasing the mysterious presence of “Bade Sahab”, believed to be portrayed by Emraan Hashmi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the duration of Dhurandhar 2?
3 hours 49 minutes.
2. What certification did Dhurandhar 2 receive?
A (Adults Only).
3. Who gave the first review of Dhurandhar 2?
Ram Gopal Varma.
4. What did Ram Gopal Varma say about Dhurandhar 2?
He called it a “new cinematic order.”
5. How many tickets were sold in advance?
Over 15 lakh tickets.
6. Will Dhurandhar 2 release on OTT?
Not announced yet.
Final Verdict: A Cinematic Revolution or Just Hype?
At this stage, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has achieved what most films strive for, complete domination of the conversation. With record-breaking advance bookings, viral first reactions, and sky-high expectations, the film is poised for a thunderous opening.
However, whether it truly delivers a “new cinematic order” or turns out to be an overhyped spectacle will ultimately depend on audience reception. For now, all eyes are on March 19, as Bollywood braces for what could be a defining moment in its action cinema landscape.
