Can Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos find box office space amid Dhurandhar’s strong run? Vir Das shares
Vir Das' debut directorial film, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, is all set to hit cinemas on January 16, but is also likely to face competition from Ranveer Singh's unstoppable Dhurandhar.
Last Updated: 12.52 PM, Jan 14, 2026
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos marks Vir Das’ directorial debut, and it is going to be released in theatres on January 16, 2026. Produced by Aamir Khan, the film belongs to comedy, action, romance, and spy genres, making it an all-in-one package. However, like other films, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos might also face the unstoppable box office competition from Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar. In a new interview, Vir shared that despite Dhurandhar's competition, the appetite for the comedy genre never goes down.
What did Vir Das say about Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos vs Dhurandhar?
Speaking to NDTV, Vir Das was asked whether his film, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, can find box office space amid Dhurandhar's strong run. He said, "No matter what happens in the mainstream genre, the appetite for comedy never goes down. It's the most consumable genre in the world right now. Every stand-up club in India is running full. Comedy videos are the number one performing videos on YouTube."
Vir Das explained that after dealing with serious issues, people like to come to the cinema to boost their morale with comedy. He also mentioned that he wants to see Dhurandhar soon.
""If you think about it, you don't leave your house for action and drama that much. But when you are watching comedy with people in a theatre, it's another kind of experience. Comedy is a collective human experience," he said.
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar has already crossed Rs. 1200 crore at the worldwide box office and has minted more than Rs. 810 crore at the domestic box office, and it is still going strong.
What's so special about Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos?
Vir Das explained that his film provides a break from the usual heavy Indian cinema, offering “bhaari laughter” (heavy laughter) instead. He noted that it is a sweet story that reflects what it means to be an Indian today, experienced through the journey of an outsider, and emphasised that the film is heartwarming.
What's the plot of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos?
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos is a 2026 Hindi comedy-spy film where Vir Das plays Happy Patel, a goofy spy who gets caught up in a real-life criminal network during an operation in India, featuring comedic chaos, cultural clashes, and meta-humour.
The star-studded cast also features Mona Singh, Mithila Palkar, Sharib Hashmi, and surprise cameos from Aamir Khan and Imran Khan. It is directed by Vir Das and Kavi Shastri, and produced by Aamir Khan Productions.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos FAQs:
Q: Who is the director of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos?
A: Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos marks the directorial debut of Vir Das, who has co-directed the project with Kavi Shastri.
Q: Is Aamir Khan doing a cameo in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos?
A: Yes, Aamir Khan will be seen in a cameo role in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. He also produced the film.
Q: When is Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos releasing?
A: Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos is scheduled to be released in theatres on January 16, 2026.