Ranveer Singh’s performance in Dhurandhar earned widespread praise from audiences and critics alike, helping the espionage thriller become one of Indian cinema’s biggest blockbusters. Now, the film’s co-producer and Jio Studios CEO Jyoti Deshpande has revealed why the makers chose Ranveer for the lead role despite the project’s massive scale and budget.
In an interview with Outlook Business, Deshpande reflected on the making of Dhurandhar, describing it as an ambitious project that repeatedly expanded in scope but was driven by unwavering conviction from the entire team.
‘We had to keep finding a way’
Speaking about the film’s production, Deshpande said Dhurandhar exceeded its original plans multiple times, but the makers remained committed to their vision.
“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,” she said.
She credited director Aditya Dhar, Ranveer Singh and the entire technical crew for dedicating themselves completely to the project.
“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… I had to keep finding a way to move forward and not stop,” she added.
‘We wanted performers rather than stars’
Deshpande also explained that the makers deliberately chose actors based on their performances rather than their star power.
“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,” she said.
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She recalled working with Ranveer Singh during his early years in Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani and praised his ability to completely immerse himself in every character.
“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,” she said.
Deshpande pointed out that whether portraying Bajirao, Khilji or the aspiring rapper in Gully Boy, Ranveer disappears into each role instead of playing himself.
About Dhurandhar
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar follows Indian spy Jaskirat Singh Rangi, alias Hamza Ali Mazari, who infiltrates Pakistan’s Lyari region to dismantle a terror network. To complete his mission, he embeds himself within a Baloch gang, marries the daughter of a local politician and integrates into the community.
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The first instalment released on December 5, 2025, while Dhurandhar 2 arrived in theatres on March 19, 2026.
The films feature Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera and Danish Pandor.
The first film reportedly earned ₹1,307 crore worldwide, while its sequel grossed ₹1,790 crore globally.
FAQs:
Why was Ranveer Singh cast in Dhurandhar?
Producer Jyoti Deshpande said the makers wanted “performers rather than stars” and believed Ranveer’s ability to completely transform into his characters made him the ideal choice.
How much did Dhurandhar earn at the box office?
According to the producer, Dhurandhar collected ₹1,307 crore worldwide, while Dhurandhar 2 grossed ₹1,790 crore globally.