Dhurandhar rewrote the box office record books when it arrived in theatres, becoming one of the biggest Indian blockbusters in recent years. Led by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, the espionage thriller won praise for its scale, performances and emotionally driven storytelling while earning more than ₹1,300 crore worldwide. Months after the film’s phenomenal success, Jio Studios CEO and co-producer Jyoti Deshpande has shared fresh insights into the challenging journey behind the ambitious project and why Ranveer was always the actor they wanted in the lead role.
Speaking to Outlook Business, Deshpande revealed that the film constantly evolved during production, with the team refusing to compromise on its vision despite repeated challenges. She also explained that the casting process focused on finding committed performers instead of simply chasing the biggest names in the industry.
The Team Refused to Compromise on Its Vision
Looking back at the production, Deshpande said Dhurandhar demanded far more than originally planned, but the filmmakers remained convinced they were creating something special. Rather than scaling back the project, they continued finding ways to move forward even when the budget expanded and the scope became increasingly ambitious.
She said, “Dhurandhar is a project that overran multiple times, and I indulged it every time. I reinvented it. You know, somehow one part became two parts, but we found a way… there was mad conviction. Everyone was involved. Aditya Dhar, to begin with. And Ranveer Singh, the actor, who went all in and did nothing else for the duration of the film. Every technician who was part of that film, whether it’s cinematography, sound design, editing, everyone was all in. We all knew we were making something that had so much purpose, so much heart, that had never been seen before, that had never been done before. And it was almost like, if we don’t do this, we’re not alive. I mean, we have to do this against all odds. So it defied everything. I had to keep finding a way to move forward and not stop.”
Her comments highlight the level of commitment behind the production, suggesting that the team viewed the project as more than just another commercial entertainer. According to Deshpande, everyone involved shared the same determination to bring Aditya Dhar’s vision to life, even as the film’s scale continued to grow.
Ranveer Was Chosen for His Ability to Disappear Into a Role
Deshpande also shed light on why Ranveer Singh ultimately landed the lead role. She explained that the producers deliberately avoided building the project around expensive star power because the film itself already required a significant budget. Instead, they looked for actors who could completely immerse themselves in their characters and elevate the story through performance.
She said, “There were no safe things we could do because it was already an expensive film to shoot. Now, if we added expensive actors as well, it was going to render the film unviable on day one. So we wanted performers rather than the so-called stars… I had worked with Ranveer on Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani, when he wasn’t this big. So I had worked with him when he was starting out, and I still believe those are some of my favourite films of Ranveer Singh. I find him an absolutely outstanding actor who gives it all. He transforms into a character. I love that about him, the fact that he is not Ranveer Singh in that film. When he has to become Bajirao, he becomes Bajirao. When he has to become Khilji, he becomes Khilji. When he has to become the Gully Boy, he becomes the Gully Boy. So he transforms; he doesn’t play Ranveer Singh.”
The producer’s remarks reflect the reputation Ranveer has built over the years for embracing physically and emotionally demanding roles. Whether portraying historical figures, street rappers or larger-than-life antagonists, the actor has often been praised for completely changing his appearance, body language and mannerisms to suit each character.
Dhurandhar Became a Major Franchise Success
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar follows the story of intelligence operative Jaskirat Singh Rangi, also known as Hamza Ali Mazari, who undertakes a dangerous undercover mission inside Pakistan. To dismantle a terror network operating from Lyari, he infiltrates a Baloch gang, builds a new identity and even marries the daughter of a local political figure as part of his operation. The high-stakes narrative combined action, espionage and emotional drama, helping the film connect with audiences worldwide.
Released in theatres on December 5, 2025, the first installment went on to collect ₹1,307 crore globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever. Its success paved the way for Dhurandhar 2, which arrived on March 19 and surpassed its predecessor with a reported worldwide collection of ₹1,790 crore. The franchise also featured Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera and Danish Pandor in key roles.
With two blockbuster films already behind it, Dhurandhar has firmly established itself as one of Indian cinema’s biggest action franchises. Deshpande’s latest comments offer a rare look behind the scenes, revealing that the decision to cast Ranveer Singh wasn’t driven by his star status but by the filmmakers’ belief that he could completely become the character and carry an ambitious story that demanded total commitment.
