Dhurandhar 2’s Massive Rs 1523 Cr Hit: Aditya Dhar’s Epic Next?

Aditya Dhar Next Film After Dhurandhar 2: Immortal Ashwatthama Revival, Chandragupta Maurya Epic with Ranveer Singh or Sports Drama? Full Details

Aditya Dhar Next Film: Director Spoilt for Choice After Dhurandhar 2 Smashes Records with Rs 1,523 Crore Worldwide Haul

The Indian box office has witnessed an explosive start to 2026, thanks to the phenomenal success of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge. Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, the spy-action thriller has not just dominated screens but has rewritten several records, crossing the prestigious Rs 1,500 crore mark in record time. As the dust settles on this blockbuster, all eyes are now on what the talented director has in store next. According to recent reports from Variety India and other sources, Aditya Dhar is reportedly considering three ambitious projects for his next big venture — a revival of his long-cherished passion project The Immortal Ashwatthama, a large-scale historical epic on the reign of Chandragupta Maurya (likely reuniting with Ranveer Singh), and a high-budget sports drama.

This development comes at a time when Aditya Dhar has firmly established himself as one of Bollywood’s most bankable directors. His ability to helm massive, high-stakes productions with pan-India appeal was already evident with the first Dhurandhar film. However, Dhurandhar 2 has taken things to an entirely new level, proving that the director-actor duo of Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh is a lethal combination at the box office.

Before diving deeper into the potential next films, let’s take a detailed look at the unprecedented success of Dhurandhar 2, which has given the Indian film industry a flying start this year.

Dhurandhar 2 Box Office Collection: A Record-Smashing Phenomenon

Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been nothing short of a juggernaut at the box office. As per Sacnilk and other tracking portals, the film has achieved a worldwide gross total of Rs 1,523.58 crore. This includes an all-India gross of approximately Rs 1,148.58 crore and an overseas collection of around Rs 375 crore. On the domestic front, the net collection is inching closer to the Rs 1,000 crore milestone, currently standing at an estimated Rs 959.37 crore.

What makes these numbers even more staggering is the speed at which Dhurandhar 2 has achieved them. The film reportedly crossed Rs 1,365 crore worldwide in just 11 days, surpassing the lifetime collections of its predecessor in record time. It has also set new benchmarks in key international markets, particularly North America, where it became the first Indian film to cross the $23 million mark, dethroning previous records held by films like Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.

Industry analysts point to several factors behind this mammoth success:

• Massive Opening and Sustained Momentum: The film opened to earth-shattering numbers, with reports of Rs 196-240 crore worldwide on day one including premieres — one of the highest for any Bollywood release. It maintained strong hold in subsequent weeks, with notable spikes on weekends, including a record-breaking second Saturday.
• Star Power and Direction: Ranveer Singh delivered a high-octane performance that resonated with audiences across demographics. Aditya Dhar’s masterful direction, blending intense action sequences, emotional depth, and sleek production values, kept viewers hooked.
• Pan-India and Overseas Appeal: Strong collections in Hindi as well as dubbed versions, coupled with robust overseas earnings (especially in North America, Australia, and other territories), turned Dhurandhar 2 into a true global phenomenon.
• Word-of-Mouth and Repeat Viewings: Positive audience feedback and high re-watch value contributed to its longevity, even as it entered the second and third weeks.

This success has not only elevated the Dhurandhar franchise but has also boosted confidence in big-budget Bollywood spectacles. With the film still running strong in many centers, final lifetime figures could climb even higher.

The two-part Dhurandhar franchise, which Aditya Dhar spent nearly three years crafting, has collectively delivered one of the most successful runs in recent Hindi cinema history. The director’s vision for large-scale, engaging storytelling has clearly paid off, leaving producers and audiences eager for his next move.

Aditya Dhar’s Well-Deserved Break and Future Plans

Despite the whirlwind success, Aditya Dhar is reportedly planning to take a well-deserved break before jumping into his next project. Sources indicate that the grueling three-year schedule on the Dhurandhar films has left the filmmaker needing time to recharge. However, what’s certain is that his next directorial venture will be “much bigger in scale and ambition” than what has come before.

Aditya Dhar is said to be spoilt for choice with three potential films currently under consideration:

1. Revival of The Immortal Ashwatthama — His long-standing passion project.
2. A Grand Historical Epic on Chandragupta Maurya — Likely reuniting with Ranveer Singh.
3. A Large-Scale Sports Drama — Details of which remain tightly under wraps.

Let’s explore each of these possibilities in detail.

The Immortal Ashwatthama: Aditya Dhar’s Passion Project Back on the Cards?

The Immortal Ashwatthama has been one of Aditya Dhar’s most talked-about dream projects for years. Previously in development with Vicky Kaushal attached to star (and even Suniel Shetty in a key role), the film was shelved primarily due to its massive budget requirements and the heavy VFX demands of blending mythology with action and science-fiction elements.

The story draws from the Mahabharata legend of Ashwatthama, the immortal warrior cursed with eternal life and suffering. Aditya Dhar’s vision reportedly involves a grand, visually spectacular narrative exploring themes of redemption, immortality, revenge, and the human condition — all on a scale that demands cutting-edge technology and international-level production.

With Dhurandhar 2 delivering a staggering Rs 2,800 crore combined franchise haul (considering both parts), budget concerns that once stalled the project may no longer be as prohibitive. Producers are now far more willing to greenlight ambitious, VFX-heavy spectacles. Insiders suggest that if The Immortal Ashwatthama gets the final nod, it could become one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, potentially rivaling or even surpassing the scale of recent pan-India successes.

However, challenges remain. Mythological subjects are sensitive in India, and any portrayal needs to be handled with care to avoid backlash. Creative differences and casting shifts also played a role in its earlier delay. Still, the project’s status as Aditya Dhar’s “passion project” gives it a strong emotional pull for the director.

If revived, The Immortal Ashwatthama could mark a bold departure into mythological-action territory while allowing Dhar to showcase his storytelling prowess on an even grander canvas.

Chandragupta Maurya Historical Epic: Potential Reunion with Ranveer Singh?

Among the three options, the large-scale historical epic based on the life and reign of Chandragupta Maurya — the founder of the Maurya Empire — appears to be the “most obvious” choice if The Immortal Ashwatthama doesn’t move forward immediately.

Reports suggest Aditya Dhar has been in discussions with Ranveer Singh about this project since last year. Their successful collaboration on the Dhurandhar franchise has only strengthened their creative bond, raising expectations sky-high for any future pairing.

Chandragupta Maurya’s story is one of the most fascinating and underexplored chapters in Indian history. From his rise under the guidance of Chanakya (the brilliant strategist behind the Arthashastra) to establishing one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India, the narrative offers rich material for a sweeping epic. Elements of political intrigue, warfare, personal transformation, and nation-building could make for a visually stunning, emotionally charged film.

Ranveer Singh has previously delivered memorable performances in historical dramas such as Padmaavat (as Alauddin Khilji) and Bajirao Mastani (as Bajirao). However, the Chandragupta Maurya role is said to be “unexplored” in this manner on the big screen, offering the actor a fresh, larger-than-life character that plays to his strengths — intensity, physicality, and charisma.

Aditya Dhar’s inclination toward reuniting with Ranveer Singh makes perfect sense. The duo has proven their ability to deliver both critical and commercial success. A historical epic of this magnitude would require extensive research, lavish sets, massive battle sequences, and top-tier technical expertise — all areas where Dhar has shown growing mastery.

Early buzz indicates the film would be mounted on a grand scale, potentially with pan-India appeal through multiple languages and strong overseas targeting.

The Sports Drama Option: High-Scale, High-Stakes Entertainment

The third project under consideration is a large-scale sports drama, though specific details remain scarce. Bollywood has seen several successful sports films in recent years — from biopics to underdog stories — that have resonated strongly with audiences.

Given Aditya Dhar’s track record with high-octane action and emotional storytelling, this sports drama is expected to be no ordinary affair. It could blend intense sports action with deeper themes of perseverance, teamwork, and triumph against odds. With the success of films in this genre, a well-crafted sports drama from Dhar could easily become another box office champion.

However, reports suggest this option might currently be lower on the priority list compared to the historical or mythological projects, unless a particularly compelling script emerges.

What’s Next for Aditya Dhar? Timeline and Expectations

Aditya Dhar is expected to take a break to rejuvenate before committing fully to his next venture. This pause is crucial after the intense workload of the two-part Dhurandhar saga.

Once he returns, one of the three projects is likely to get the green signal. The historical drama on Chandragupta Maurya with Ranveer Singh seems to have strong momentum, but the revival of The Immortal Ashwatthama cannot be ruled out given its personal significance to the director. The sports drama remains a dark horse.

Whatever he chooses, expectations will be sky-high. The success of Dhurandhar 2 has raised the bar not just for Aditya Dhar but for the entire industry. Audiences and trade analysts alike are anticipating another ambitious, scale-defying project that pushes Indian cinema’s global boundaries further.

The Dhurandhar franchise has already proven that big-budget, well-executed films with strong narratives can deliver exceptional returns. Aditya Dhar’s next film is poised to build on this momentum, potentially setting new benchmarks in storytelling, visual effects, and box office performance.

Impact on Bollywood and Indian Cinema

The ripple effects of Dhurandhar 2‘s success extend beyond one film or one director. It has reinforced faith in original, high-concept cinema over formulaic releases. It has also highlighted the importance of strong director-actor chemistry, as seen with Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh.

For the broader industry, such blockbusters help sustain theaters, boost employment in technical departments, and enhance India’s soft power internationally. The overseas performance of Dhurandhar 2, especially in North America, opens doors for more Hindi films to target global audiences effectively.

As Aditya Dhar weighs his options, the industry watches with bated breath. Will it be mythology meets action with The Immortal Ashwatthama? A history-defining epic on Chandragupta Maurya? Or an inspiring sports saga? Each path promises to be exciting.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead for Aditya Dhar and Bollywood

Aditya Dhar has emerged as a director who thinks big and delivers bigger. The record-smashing run of Dhurandhar 2 — with its Rs 1,523.58 crore worldwide gross — is a testament to his vision and execution. As he contemplates his next move amid three enticing options, one thing is clear: his forthcoming project will aim even higher in scale, ambition, and impact.

Whether it’s reviving The Immortal Ashwatthama, bringing the story of Chandragupta Maurya to life with Ranveer Singh, or unveiling a powerful sports drama, Aditya Dhar is set to keep Indian cinema on an upward trajectory.

Fans of the Dhurandhar franchise and Bollywood enthusiasts can expect more updates soon. Until then, the success of Dhurandhar 2 continues to celebrate the magic of compelling storytelling on a grand scale.

Stay tuned to our news website for the latest developments on Aditya Dhar’s next film, Dhurandhar 2 box office updates, Ranveer Singh projects, and all things Bollywood. The year 2026 has just begun on a high note — and it promises much more to come.