The cryptic “12:12” social media post from the Dhurandhar team has unlocked the first glimpse of a sequel that aims to shatter its own box office records in a massive Eid showdown.
The countdown for one of 2026’s most anticipated films has officially begun. Ranveer Singh, along with director Aditya Dhar and co-star Sara Arjun, sent fans into a frenzy with a cryptic Instagram story on February 2, 2026. The post, featuring stark text on a black background, read simply: “Tomorrow (February 3), 12:12” . This synchronized social media hint has all but confirmed the long-awaited arrival of the first teaser for Dhurandhar 2 .
The timing is significant. The “12:12” motif is a signature for the franchise, as the first film’s look was also revealed at 12:12 PM on Ranveer Singh’s birthday in 2025 . Following the monumental success of the first film, which became the highest-grossing Indian film ever with worldwide earnings surpassing ₹1,300 crore, expectations for the sequel are sky-high .
The Teaser Announcement
On Monday, February 2, 2026, the digital silence was broken. Ranveer Singh posted the now-famous “Tomorrow 12:12” message, which was immediately echoed by director Aditya Dhar on his own Instagram Stories . This deliberate, coordinated move ignited a wildfire of speculation and excitement across social media platforms, with fans immediately beginning countdowns for February 3 at 12:12 PM .
This teaser reveal ends weeks of speculation. Earlier, rumors had swirled that the teaser might premiere alongside Sunny Deol’s Border 2. Aditya Dhar directly addressed these rumors on social media, responding to a fan’s plea for the teaser by stating it would be “out in a few days!” . With the date now set, the marketing machinery for Dhurandhar 2 is shifting into high gear.
What to Expect from Dhurandhar 2
The sequel, officially titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge, picks up directly from the cliffhanger ending of the first film .
- Plot Direction: The story continues to follow Indian undercover agent Hamza Ali Mazhari (Ranveer Singh), who has successfully infiltrated and risen within Pakistan’s criminal underworld. After eliminating crime lord Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna), Hamza has gained the trust of powerful political figures and even married a politician’s daughter to strengthen his cover . In the sequel, he sets his sights on a more formidable enemy: Major Iqbal, a high-ranking ISI strategist known as “Bade Sahab,” who is believed to be the mastermind behind multiple terror attacks on India .
- The Antagonist: Arjun Rampal is confirmed to play the primary antagonist, Major Iqbal . The sequel is expected to delve into his backstory and his role as the shadowy puppet master, leading to a final, explosive confrontation with Hamza .
- Expanded Scope: The film is slated for a massive pan-India release in five languages—Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam—aiming to replicate and exceed the first film’s unprecedented success . Production was reportedly completed quickly as much of it was filmed back-to-back with the first installment .
The Legacy and Controversy of the First Film
Dhurandhar was a cultural phenomenon that dominated the 2025 box office but was not without significant controversy, which has set a complex stage for the sequel.
| Aspect | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Box Office | Crossed ₹830 crore net in India; over ₹1,300 crore worldwide. | |
| Critical Reception | Praised as a “thrilling but problematic blockbuster”; noted for strong performances and technical polish. | |
| Major Controversy | Banned in six Gulf nations (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.) for its “anti-Pakistan” narrative. | |
| Casting Debate | Criticism over the 20-year age gap between Ranveer Singh and his co-star Sara Arjun. | |
| OTT Alteration | The Netflix version was reportedly edited, shortened by 9 minutes without the director’s consent. |
The first film was a tense spy thriller powered by gripping performances from Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna . However, critics noted its “insular vision” and “one-sided agenda,” arguing its slick packaging made its political messaging more potent and potentially problematic . This controversial nature likely contributed to its ban in several Middle Eastern countries .
Further debate swirled around the casting, specifically the age difference between Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra defended the choice, explaining that the character’s youth was crucial to the plot and that her role’s full significance would become clearer in Dhurandhar 2 .
The Upcoming Box Office Clash
Dhurandhar 2 is strategically scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026, a date that coincides with the Eid al-Fitr and Gudi Padwa holiday weekend . This sets the stage for a colossal box office clash.
Its direct competitor is Yash’s Toxic, another highly anticipated big-budget film slated for release on the same date . This face-off is already being billed as one of the biggest in recent Indian cinema history, guaranteeing a dramatic and high-stakes opening weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dhurandhar 2 releasing?
Dhurandhar 2 is scheduled to hit theatres on March 19, 2026. The first teaser is set to be released on February 3, 2026, at 12:12 PM .
Who is the villain in Dhurandhar 2?
The primary antagonist is Major Iqbal, also known as “Bade Sahab,” a high-ranking ISI strategist. The role is played by Arjun Rampal .
Is Dhurandhar 2 connected to Uri: The Surgical Strike?
No. While both films are directed by Aditya Dhar, they do not share a cinematic universe. Dhurandhar 2 is a direct sequel to the 2025 film Dhurandhar, and there is no crossover with Vicky Kaushal’s character from Uri .
Why was there controversy about the age gap in the first film?
The casting of Ranveer Singh (then 40) opposite Sara Arjun sparked debate due to their 20-year age difference. The makers stated this was a deliberate narrative choice related to Hamza’s mission, and the full context is expected to be revealed in the sequel .
Will the original cast return?
Yes. The sequel features a returning ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt. Akshaye Khanna is also expected to make a crucial appearance, despite his character’s fate in the first film .
With the teaser’s imminent release, the conversation is just beginning. The cryptic “12:12” has unlocked the next phase for a franchise that is as controversial as it is successful. Will Dhurandhar 2 navigate its political tightrope with the same skill as its undercover agent protagonist? Can it overcome its controversies and a formidable box office challenger to break its own historic records?
All eyes are now on that clock, waiting for it to strike 12:12.
What are your expectations for the Dhurandhar 2 teaser? Are you team Hamza or team Toxic for the March box office clash? Share your thoughts and predictions.
