After Dhurandhar 2, Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh Eye Historic Epics and Sports Drama

Following the monumental success of Dhurandhar 2, director Aditya Dhar has emerged as one of the most bankable filmmakers in Hindi cinema. With two consecutive blockbusters that crossed the Rs 1,000 crore mark, Dhar now stands at a pivotal moment in his career, with multiple high-concept projects under consideration for his directorial return.

Three Major Projects Under Consideration

Industry sources reveal that Aditya Dhar is actively developing three distinct projects that showcase his versatility as a storyteller. Each project represents a significant departure from his recent spy thriller work, exploring diverse genres and historical narratives.

The director is currently in discussions with major production houses including Jio Studios and Birla Studios for funding and partnership. A formal announcement is expected to occur by late 2026, though timelines remain fluid and subject to finalization.

The Chandragupta Maurya Historical Epic

One of the most discussed projects in industry circles is a sweeping historical drama set during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, one of ancient India’s greatest emperors. This period action drama is expected to be mounted on a massive scale, exploring the rise and military campaigns of the legendary Mauryan ruler.

Reports indicate that Ranveer Singh is being considered for the project, though clarity remains regarding whether he would portray Chandragupta Maurya himself or another significant character in the narrative. The project aims to blend historical authenticity with cinematic grandeur, offering audiences a glimpse into India’s illustrious past.

Aditya Dhar has reportedly been conducting extensive historical research to capture the era’s essence authentically. The film is being envisioned as a potential franchise starter, opening doors for more Indian historical epics.

The Immortal Ashwatthama Revival

Another project under active consideration is the long-pending revival of Aditya Dhar’s dream project, The Immortal Ashwatthama. Originally developed years ago with Vicky Kaushal, this mythological superhero film blends science fiction with ancient mythology in unprecedented ways.

The project was previously shelved due to budgetary constraints and production complexities. However, the changed landscape following Dhurandhar’s massive success has renewed interest from major production houses in backing ambitious, large-scale projects. This shift has significantly increased the viability of finally bringing Ashwatthama to the screen.

The film was initially planned as a trilogy, suggesting the director’s grand vision for the franchise. With renewed industry confidence in his capabilities, the conditions are now favorable for this mythological saga to move into active production.

The Sports Drama Project

A third project under consideration is a high-stakes sports drama that would represent another genre exploration for the director. While details remain limited, industry reports suggest this would be a large-scale production showcasing Dhar’s knack for balancing emotion with spectacle.

Dhar’s demonstrated expertise in handling complex action sequences, emotional character arcs, and technical filmmaking makes him ideally suited for a sports drama that requires both intimate storytelling and grand cinematic moments.

Aditya Dhar’s Track Record

Potential Casting and Production Details

Jio Studios Partnership

Aditya Dhar’s production house, B62 Studios, recently signed a significant first-look deal with Jio Studios covering a two-year span. This partnership will develop multiple feature films, with Dhar’s next directorial venture included in the agreement.

The successful collaboration between B62 Studios and Jio Studios has produced five projects in the last two years, all achieving commercial success. This renewed partnership demonstrates the studio’s continued confidence in Dhar’s vision and creative direction.

Genre Diversification Strategy

What stands out in Dhar’s approach to his next projects is his deliberate strategy to explore diverse genres. Moving away from contemporary spy thrillers, he is venturing into historical epics, mythological superhero narratives, and sports dramas. This diversification showcases his ambitions as a filmmaker willing to tackle varied storytelling formats.

The success of Dhurandhar has positioned him to pursue passion projects that might have seemed too risky earlier in his career. Now, studios and production houses are keen to back his bold creative choices.

Timeline and Announcement

While no official announcement has been made, industry insiders suggest that Dhar will formally reveal his next directorial project by the end of 2026. Currently, he is concluding his production commitments and conducting research for his chosen project. Pre-production activities are expected to commence in the coming months, with principal photography potentially beginning in 2027.

Read More: Ramayana: Namit Malhotra Rejects Rs 700 Crore OTT Offer

FAQs