Setting new commercial benchmarks in the history of Indian cinema, the high-octane franchise Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar 2 have achieved a staggering global box office collection exceeding 3000 crore rupees. Marking the biggest theatrical triumphs of Ranveer Singh's career, these films showcased his exceptional acting range, garnering widespread critical acclaim and solidifying his position among the top tier of Bollywood stars. Amidst this unprecedented box office run, co-producer Jyoti Deshpande opened up about the strategic casting decisions that led to choosing Ranveer Singh for this massive and visually ambitious project.
Prioritizing Performance Over Exorbitant Star Fees
In a detailed conversation with Outlook Business, Jyoti Deshpande unpacked the economic and creative calculations behind the casting process of the Dhurandhar franchise. She explained that because the project already carried an extraordinarily high production budget, allocating huge funds toward expensive conventional stars was not financially sensible. Highlighting their core philosophy, she stated, "We needed a performer rather than so-called stars." According to her, Ranveer Singh fit this requirement seamlessly, making him the definitive choice for the protagonist.
Six Months of Script Revisions and Screen Investments
Jyoti Deshpande revealed that financing this project meant backing an unconventional narrative designed to deliver a cinematic spectacle rarely witnessed by audiences before. The development phase involved nearly six months of rigorous discussions, during which multiple script drafts and narrative adjustments were executed. The production team was firm that with such a heavy budget, every single rupee spent should manifest visibly on the screen rather than being swallowed up by star compensation. Taking a safe route was out of the question due to the high baseline costs, making actor performance the ultimate anchor for securing long-term profitability.
Past Collaborations and Artistic Commitment
Reflecting on her long-standing professional association with Ranveer Singh, Jyoti Deshpande noted that she had worked with him earlier in his career before he attained his current mega-star standing. She specifically cited acclaimed hits like Ram-Leela and Bajirao Mastani as her personal favorites among his filmography. Describing his craft, she emphasized that Ranveer is a phenomenal actor who completely surrenders himself to any role he undertakes, immersing himself entirely into the skin of the character.
Personal Life Milestones and Viral Fan Interaction
Beyond his professional accolades, Ranveer Singh is also celebrating key personal milestones as he prepares to welcome his second child. His wife, actress Deepika Padukone, is currently pregnant with their second baby, a joyous update the couple previously announced through a shared social media post. Recently, a lighthearted video featuring Ranveer Singh gained traction online, capturing a humorous moment with a female fan. Responding playfully to the fan's flirting while gesturing with his fingers, Ranveer quipped, "How much are you flirting, man! I am about to become a father of two children, man."
On-Set Camaraderie and Director Aditya Dhar's Tribute
The strong bond shared among the creative team was also highlighted during Ranveer Singh's birthday, when Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar shared unseen behind-the-scenes photographs from the sets. Along with the BTS pictures, Aditya Dhar expressed his warmth in a heartfelt note, sharing that he found a brother between action and cut. This mutual respect and camaraderie reflected the deep collaborative environment that fueled the franchise's monumental success.
