Dhurandhar 2: Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal gets deeper backstory as sequel enters final patchwork stage

Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge hits cinemas March 19, 2026. Final shoots in Mumbai explore Arjun Rampal’s villainous backstory as Ranveer Singh returns for this high-octane action sequel.

Arjun Rampal in a still from Dhurandhar

Director Aditya Dhar's high-stakes action film Dhurandhar: The Revenge is nearing completion with just eight weeks to go until its worldwide theatrical release.

What is the focus of current shoot of Dhurandhar 2?

As per the latest reports in Mid Day, at the Golden Tobacco property in Vile Parle, Mumbai, the production unit began a three-day patchwork shoot on January 25. Arjun Rampal's character Major Iqbal, the film's main adversary, will have his past fleshed out in the extra shoot. According to the plot of the franchise, Iqbal was the mastermind behind a string of devastating terrorist attacks in India.

The tabloid reported that a part of the Vile Parle property that was used as a warehouse was transformed into a complex set to fit the needs of these scenes. Insiders from the production revealed that they transformed the location into a secure safehouse. Presently, they are aiming to give a more complex glimpse into the villain's life away from war actions.

ALSO READ: Dhurandhar: Why The Ranveer Singh Espionage Thriller Matters More Than It Moves

Why did Aditya Dhar decide to explore Arjun Rampal's character background further?

According to an insider who spoke with the tabloid, Dhurandhar portrays Major Iqbal as a merciless protagonist. The filmmaker aimed to provide background on his life away from the field in the sequel. These parts will lay the groundwork for his subsequent decisions and show how invested he is in the plot.

The patchwork shoot is still on a grand scale, with 50 background artists supposedly on set to inhabit the safehouse. These scenes connect the first conflict to the sequel's finale and aim to offer more details about Rampal's character's ideological reasons.

Which cast members are returning for Dhurandhar 2?

Dhurandhar: The Revenge is the sequel to the blockbuster from 2025 that launched a film franchise revolving around Indian counter-terrorism and intelligence operations. R. Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt returned to their roles in the first installment, while Ranveer Singh took centre stage again.

Business insiders have noticed that Dhar, who became famous for his precise approach to the military-action genre after the Uri: The Surgical Strike triumph, is juggling a hectic schedule. In Mumbai, where filming is ongoing for these last character beats, studios all across the city are cranking out visual effects (VFX) and sound design for the film.

How are trade experts positioning Dhurandhar 2 release?

The ensemble cast and successful box office run of the last film have piqued the interest of the film's trades. Major studios are marketing the production as one of the year's most noteworthy action releases.

The theatrical release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge is set for March 19, 2026.

Dhurandhar 2 FAQs:

Q: When is the Dhurandhar: The Revenge release date?

A: Dhurandhar: The Revenge is scheduled to hit global theatres on March 19, 2026. The release is strategically timed to coincide with the Eid weekend, as well as the Gudi Padwa and Ugadi festivals.

Q: Who is the main villain in Dhurandhar 2?

A: Arjun Rampal plays the primary antagonist, Major Iqbal, a ruthless ISI mastermind. Recent reports confirm that the sequel will feature an expanded backstory for his character, exploring his personal motivations and life outside of combat operations through a series of "patchwork" scenes filmed in Mumbai.

Q: Who is in the cast of Dhurandhar 2?

A: Dhurandhar 2 features a massive ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh (reprising his role as Hamza Ali Mazari/Jaskirat Singh Rangi), Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam, and R. Madhavan as IB Chief Ajay Sanyal. Sara Arjun also returns, with reports suggesting her role is significantly expanded in the sequel.

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