The recently released Bollywood spy-action thriller, Dhurandhar, has taken the box office by storm, and the anticipation for its sequel, Dhurandhar 2: Revenge, is already reaching fever pitch. The first film, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, has not only become a commercial success but has also sparked intense speculation about the identity of the shadowy figure known only as "Bade Sahab". As fans eagerly await the sequel's release on March 19, 2026, the question on everyone's mind is: Who is Bade Sahab?. Is it a veiled reference to real-life underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, or is it a fictionalized composite of various terrorist masterminds, including Masood Azhar or even Osama Bin Laden?
Dhurandhar revolves around real incidents like the IC 814 hijacking in 1999 and the Parliament attack of 2001. Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazar, who is later revealed to be Jaskirat Singh Rangi, an Indian undercover operative on a covert mission in Pakistan. The film ends with a cliffhanger, leaving audiences to wonder about Hamza's next target: Bade Sahab, the mastermind behind numerous terrorist attacks on India, including the 26/11 attacks.
Several clues point towards a composite character inspired by various real-life figures. The film showcases how Pakistani gangs, politicians, and the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) operate as a nexus to unleash terror against India. Arjun Rampal plays ISI agent Major Iqbal, depicted as one of the leading men in the 26/11 attacks. Hamza promises to avenge the 26/11 attacks, suggesting that Bade Sahab is a key figure in orchestrating these events.
Some analysts believe "Bade Sahab" could be loosely based on Dawood Ibrahim, who has been implicated in numerous terrorist activities and is believed to be hiding in Pakistan. Others suggest the character may incorporate elements of Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist group responsible for several attacks in India. Given the global implications of terrorism, it is also possible that the character draws inspiration from Osama Bin Laden, the former leader of Al-Qaeda.
Adding to the intrigue, Dhurandhar 2 will delve deeper into Hamza's backstory, revealing how Jaskirat transformed into Hamza and led "Mission Dhurandhar". The sequel will also feature returning characters like R. Madhavan, who plays Ajay Sanyal, the Director of IB India, and Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal. Rakesh Bedi, who plays an undisclosed character, has hinted that his role will be more prominent in the sequel.
Dhurandhar has been praised for its intense action sequences, compelling performances, and its willingness to tackle complex geopolitical issues. The film has a runtime of 3 hours and 32 minutes.
As the release date of Dhurandhar 2 approaches, anticipation is building to see how the story unfolds and whether the identity of "Bade Sahab" will finally be revealed. The film is expected to clash with Yash's Toxic at the box office, setting the stage for a major cinematic showdown.
