Analysis of the Dhurandhar Franchise and Indian Movie Scheduling

May 13, 2026, 19:16

Introduction

The spy thriller series Dhurandhar has become a major commercial success, while the Indian film industry continues to manage difficult release schedules for both regional and national movies.

Main Body

The Dhurandhar franchise, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has proven to be very profitable. The first movie and its sequel earned a combined total of over ₹3,000 crore globally. Specifically, the first film released on December 5, 2025, made ₹1,307 crore, and the sequel, released on March 19, earned more than ₹1,790 crore. However, opinions on the quality of the films are divided. Actor Mohan Kapur emphasized that he does not agree with the high praise from critics, asserting that although the story is well-written, it is not realistic, especially regarding some characters. Regarding the cast, Gaurav Gera's role as an undercover agent was a highlight of his career. His professional journey began in 2001 and includes many TV and film projects. While the franchise has a wide reach, Gera cannot appear in future movies because his character died in the second film. Meanwhile, Jyoti Deshpande from Jio Studios mentioned that more news about the franchise will be shared later this year. At the same time, the Indian film industry is facing scheduling conflicts between Bollywood and South Indian productions. For example, Suriya's 'Karuppu' and 'Pati Patni Aur Woh Do' were released at the same time. Furthermore, the 2027 calendar is very crowded, as 'Spirit' and 'SVC63' are scheduled for the same Eid period. Despite rumors that they might change the dates to avoid competition, the schedules remain the same.

Conclusion

The Dhurandhar franchise remains a powerful market force despite some criticism, while the industry deals with a very busy release schedule for 2027.

Learning

🚀 The 'Nuance' Jump: Moving Beyond 'But'

At an A2 level, you probably use 'but' for everything. To reach B2, you need to show you can connect complex ideas using different "flavors" of contrast. Look at how this text handles disagreement and contradiction:

1. The 'Soft' Contrast: However

"...earned more than ₹1,790 crore. However, opinions on the quality of the films are divided."

Instead of saying "but people disagree," the author uses However.

Pro Tip: Use this at the start of a new sentence to sound more professional and academic. It creates a pause that prepares the reader for a change in direction.

2. The 'Balance' Shift: While

*"While the franchise has a wide reach, Gera cannot appear in future movies..."

While is a B2 powerhouse. It allows you to hold two opposite facts in one sentence.

A2 style: The movies are popular, but he can't be in them.
B2 style: While [Fact A is true], [Fact B is also true].

3. The 'Surprise' Factor: Despite

*"Despite rumors that they might change the dates... the schedules remain the same."

This is the most advanced structure here. Despite is followed by a noun or a noun phrase (not a full sentence with a verb).

The Pattern: Despite + [Something unexpected] $\rightarrow$ [The actual result].
Try this: Despite the rain, we went for a walk. (Not Despite it was raining).

💡 Quick Upgrade Summary

If you want to say...	Try this B2 word	Example from text
But (New sentence)	However	However, opinions... are divided.
But (Same sentence)	While	While the franchise has a wide reach...
Even though	Despite	Despite rumors... the schedules remain the same.

Vocabulary Learning

profitable (adj.)

Yielding profit; financially successful.

Example:The new marketing strategy turned out to be highly profitable.

combined (adj.)

Made up of two or more parts put together.

Example:The combined revenue of the two companies exceeded expectations.

globally (adv.)

In or across the whole world.

Example:The brand has gained popularity globally.

specifically (adv.)

In a detailed or particular way.

Example:Specifically, the report highlighted the need for better training.

divided (adj.)

Split into separate parts or groups.

Example:The audience was divided over the film's ending.

emphasized (verb)

Stressed or made clear the importance of something.

Example:She emphasized the importance of teamwork.

well-written (adj.)

Clearly and skillfully written.

Example:The novel was praised for its well-written dialogue.

realistic (adj.)

Representing reality accurately or plausibly.

Example:The simulation offers a realistic view of the battlefield.

undercover (adj.)

Operating secretly to gather information.

Example:The undercover agent infiltrated the organization.

highlight (noun)

The most interesting or important part of an event.

Example:The highlight of the concert was the surprise guest.

professional (adj.)

Conforming to the standards of a profession.

Example:He has a professional attitude toward his work.

journey (noun)

The process of traveling from one place to another, often used figuratively for experiences.

Example:Her journey to success was long and challenging.

projects (noun)

Planned pieces of work or tasks.

Example:She manages several projects simultaneously.

conflicts (noun)

Disagreements or clashes between people or groups.

Example:The conflicts between the departments were resolved.

crowded (adj.)

Full of many people or things; packed.

Example:The market was crowded with vendors.

avoid (verb)

To keep away from or prevent.

Example:They tried to avoid traffic by leaving early.

remain (verb)

To stay in a particular place or condition.

Example:The statue will remain in the park for centuries.

powerful (adj.)

Having great influence or strength.

Example:Her speech was powerful and moved everyone.

market (noun)

A place or system where goods or services are bought and sold.

Example:The company entered a new market last year.

criticism (noun)

The expression of disapproval or judgment.

Example:He faced criticism for his decision.

busy (adj.)

Having a lot to do; occupied.

Example:The city is busy during rush hour.

scheduling (noun)

The process of planning when events will happen.

Example:Scheduling conflicts caused the event to be postponed.

release (noun)

The act of making something available to the public.

Example:The release of the new film was delayed.

franchise (noun)

A group of related businesses or a series of films.

Example:The franchise has expanded into several countries.