Prakash Padukone Praises Dhurandhar Franchise While Noting Violence, Highlights Close Bond With Ranveer Singh

Prakash Padukone, the former Indian badminton champion and father‑in‑law of actor Ranveer Singh, recently spoke to The Indian Express about the Dhurandhar duology. The two‑part spy thriller series, directed by Aditya Dhar, has become the biggest Hindi film franchise of 2025 and 2026, breaking box‑office records and drawing massive audiences.

The first instalment, Dhurandhar, opened in Indian theatres on 5 December 2025. It featured an ensemble cast that included Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt and Rakesh Bedi. The film ran for 214 minutes and was shot back‑to‑back with its sequel. Within three weeks it had grossed over ₹1 000 crore worldwide, becoming the highest‑grossing A‑rated Indian film at the time.

Dhurandhar 2, titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge, was released worldwide on 19 March 2026. The 229‑minute sequel continued the story of an undercover Indian intelligence agent battling threats linked to the 26/11 attacks. It earned more than ₹1 800 crore globally, making it the second‑highest‑grossing Indian film of all time and the highest‑grossing Hindi‑language film domestically. The franchise’s combined earnings exceed ₹3 200 crore.

The films are available for streaming on JioHotstar in India and on Netflix internationally. They have also been banned in all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, a restriction that has not deterred piracy, with reports of two million downloads in Pakistan.

Padukone’s comments were framed as a balanced appraisal. He described Dhurandhar as a “well‑crafted project backed by strong performances from the entire cast.” He added that the film’s violence was slightly higher than he would have preferred, but he acknowledged that “the majority of people liked it, so I think that’s more important.” The remarks were made during a conversation with The Indian Express, and Padukone emphasized that the film’s quality outweighed his minor reservations.

Beyond the film, Padukone highlighted the close relationship between his family and Ranveer Singh. He noted that the Padukones and the Singhs maintain a strong bond despite busy schedules. Padukone said he often turns to Ranveer for insights into cinema and the business side of the film industry, while Ranveer shares his passion for sports. The two regularly watch and discuss football and cricket together; Padukone is an Arsenal fan, and his daughter Anisha supports Manchester United.

The families reportedly keep a tradition of traveling together at least once a year, which helps sustain their connection. Padukone said that when they do find time, they enjoy watching sports and discussing the latest developments in both fields.

The Dhurandhar series has been praised for its production design, action sequences, and soundtrack, composed by Shashwat Sachdev. Critics have noted the films’ blending of fictional elements with real‑world geopolitical events, a factor that has sparked debate about propaganda. Nonetheless, the franchise’s commercial performance has cemented its place in contemporary Bollywood history.

Padukone’s statements reinforce the series’ reputation as a high‑quality, high‑earning blockbuster while acknowledging the director’s choice to include intense action. The actor’s comments also underscore the personal ties that run through the film’s production, linking the world of Indian cinema with the world of sports.

The franchise’s success continues to influence the Indian film market, setting new benchmarks for box‑office revenue and streaming viewership. As the industry observes the Dhurandhar duology’s trajectory, it remains a case study in how large‑scale action narratives can resonate across domestic and international audiences.