The box office equation surrounding Dhurandhar 2 has taken a dramatic turn. Initially, the postponement of Toxic, starring Yash, appeared to clear the way for Ranveer Singh’s much-anticipated sequel to enjoy a solo release on March 19. However, a fresh development has introduced new competition.
A New Contender Enters the Race
Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan has advanced the release date of his upcoming film Ustad Bhagat Singh to March 19 — the same day as Dhurandhar 2. The film, directed by Harish Shankar, was earlier scheduled for March 26 but has now been pushed forward by a week.
While Ustad Bhagat Singh is not positioned as a pan-India release and is primarily a Telugu-language film, it could significantly impact Dhurandhar 2 in the Telugu-speaking market.
The Success of the First Installment
Directed by Aditya Dhar, the first installment of Dhurandhar, released in December 2025, turned out to be a massive success. Despite being released only in Hindi, the film reportedly grossed over ₹1,300 crore worldwide, establishing it as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
Riding on that momentum, the makers have planned Dhurandhar 2 as a multi-language release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. While the sequel may enjoy a clear field in most regions, the Telugu market now presents stiff competition.
Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Ranveer Singh, the sequel features a strong ensemble cast including R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. The film has generated considerable anticipation since the announcement of its sequel.
Box Office Battle Ahead
With Yash’s Toxic moving to June 4, the March 19 slot initially seemed secure for Dhurandhar 2. However, the entry of Pawan Kalyan’s Ustad Bhagat Singh has set the stage for an intense box office face-off, at least in the Telugu circuit.
Whether Ranveer Singh’s action spectacle will replicate the success of its predecessor or face turbulence due to regional competition remains to be seen. The coming weeks will determine which star commands the bigger draw at the ticket window.
