The first ‘Dhurandhar’ was banned in the UAE and several Gulf countries over its espionage and geopolitical content. The ban sparked controversy and drew widespread attention to the film internationally.
R Madhavan in Dhurandhar
The countdown is on for ‘Dhurandhar 2’, set to hit theatres on March 19, 2026, and the hype is already going international. Actor R Madhavan, reprising his role in the high-octane espionage sequel, has shared just how far fans are going to be part of the ‘Dhurandhar’ magic, especially in the UAE and Gulf countries where the first film was banned.
In a chat with Sonia Shenoy on her YouTube channel, Madhavan revealed that some die-hard fans actually flew from Dubai to India just to catch the first ‘Dhurandhar’ on the big screen, all in a single day, before returning home.
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“People could easily watch it online, right? But they want the theatre experience. There’s something about watching a film with an audience that you just can’t get alone,” he said.
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Madhavan also reflected on the changing tastes of younger viewers. “Traditionally, Indian action films focus on the India-Pakistan war or the freedom struggle. But the younger generation is like, ‘samajh gaya main, kitni baar bologe?’ (I’ve understood it, how many times will you say it?)” he explained.
He feels that after Dhurandhar, that whole India-Pakistan war theme might be retired from mainstream action cinema. “That’s the full stop now,” he added.
For Madhavan, the appeal isn’t just the story but the communal thrill of cinema. “Watching a film alone at home is completely different. It’s like performing dandiya in front of the TV. Dandiya is meant to be played with people around you,” he said.
This experience will be repeated for ‘Dhurandhar 2’, as the sequel is also banned in the UAE. Madhavan said fans are already scheduling meetings and trips around March 19, so they can watch the movie in a theatre and share the excitement with fellow viewers.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar 2’ promises to be even more thrilling. Ranveer Singh is reprising his role as Indian intelligence agent Hamza Ali Mazhari.
The film is full of high-stakes interrogations, espionage, geopolitical tension, carrying forward the pulse-racing story from the first instalment.
The original ‘Dhurandhar’ was a box-office sensation. It sparked conversations worldwide, not just for its spy plot but also because of its ban in several Gulf countries, including the UAE.
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