Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has publicly expressed admiration and a rare sense of regret over missing out on filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar franchise, as its second installment continues to dominate the global box office. With Dhurandhar: The Revenge surpassing ₹1,500 crore worldwide and rewriting commercial benchmarks, Rawal’s candid remarks underscore the scale and cultural impact of the espionage saga led by Ranveer Singh.
In a recent interview, Rawal revealed he had watched the first film twice and the sequel once, calling the series “not just a film, but a saga.” Reflecting on his reaction, he said it was the first time in his career he felt he should have been part of a project he wasn’t involved in an unusual admission from an actor with decades of acclaimed work across genres.
The Dhurandhar films center on a high-stakes intelligence mission, with Singh portraying an Indian operative infiltrating criminal networks to dismantle threats to national security. The ensemble cast includes R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, contributing to the franchise’s expansive narrative and appeal.
Interestingly, Rawal’s connection to the genre runs deep. He previously portrayed a national security advisor figure inspired by Ajit Doval in Uri: The Surgical Strike. In Dhurandhar, a similar character is interpreted differently by Madhavan something Rawal noted as a compelling creative variation.
Beyond praise, Rawal has also been an outspoken defender of the franchise. He has repeatedly pushed back against critical reviews and online commentary, engaging directly with detractors and supporting the film’s narrative choices and performances.
Industry Impact
The commercial performance of Dhurandhar: The Revenge signals a major shift in the Indian film industry’s blockbuster hierarchy. Crossing ₹1,500 crore globally within weeks, the sequel has outpaced some of the biggest hits in recent years, including RRR, KGF: Chapter 2, Jawan, and Pathaan. It also breached the ₹1,000 crore mark domestically in record time, reflecting both strong theatrical turnout and sustained audience interest.
Trade analysts point to a combination of factors behind this success, a tightly woven espionage narrative, strong ensemble casting, and a cinematic scale that blends action with psychological tension. Unlike traditional star-driven spectacles, the franchise has been praised for allowing multiple characters to share narrative weight an approach that has broadened its appeal.
The film’s success also reinforces the growing viability of multi-part storytelling in Bollywood, where audiences are increasingly responding to long-form narratives typically seen in global franchises.
Why This Matters
Rawal’s comments are significant not just as personal reflections but as an indicator of how Dhurandhar has resonated within the film fraternity. For an actor of his stature to openly wish participation highlights the project’s perceived artistic and commercial value.
His reaction also underscores a broader industry trend, the emergence of content-driven blockbusters that prioritize storytelling over formulaic heroism. Rawal himself has pointed out that the film avoids excessive “hero elevation” tropes, instead embracing character flaws and narrative tension elements that have contributed to its critical and audience acclaim.
Moreover, his defense of the film against critics reflects an ongoing debate within Indian cinema about the role of reviews, audience reception, and evolving storytelling standards.
Background Context
Directed by Aditya Dhar, who previously helmed Uri: The Surgical Strike, the Dhurandhar franchise builds on themes of national security, covert operations, and geopolitical tension. The films are set against a backdrop of cross-border conflict and intelligence warfare, with a narrative that unfolds across multiple perspectives.
Rawal has been vocal about his appreciation for this layered storytelling approach. He has also engaged in public discourse around the film, responding to both praise and criticism on social media sometimes sharply while defending its creative integrity.
His earlier exchanges with critics and commentators highlight the polarized reception such high-profile films often generate, even as they achieve massive commercial success.
What Happens Next
With Dhurandhar: The Revenge continuing its strong theatrical run, industry attention is now turning to the possibility of expanding the franchise further. While no official announcement has been made, the scale of its success makes future installments highly likely.
Meanwhile, Rawal is preparing for the release of his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan and co-starring Akshay Kumar and Tabu. The horror-comedy is slated for release on April 17, 2026, and marks another major project in his diverse filmography.
As Dhurandhar continues to dominate the box office and industry conversation, Rawal’s remarks add a unique dimension to its success story one that reflects both admiration and the rare “what if” from a seasoned actor who has seen it all.