Dhurandhar: Director Defends Ranveer Singh-Sara Arjun Age Gap Amidst Criticism; Teases Part 2

The movie *Dhurandhar* continues its successful run in theaters, having grossed over ₹350 crore in India. Recently, casting director Mukesh Chhabra addressed the controversy surrounding the 20-year age difference between actors Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun in the film. Chhabra explained the casting choice was a deliberate one, hinting that *Dhurandhar 2* will shed more light on the matter.

Since its release on December 5th, *Dhurandhar*, directed by Aditya Dhar, has been a box office hit. The film stars Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan. It quickly surpassed ₹350 crore domestically within the first 10 days. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the film faced criticism even before its release, particularly regarding the pairing of Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun due to their significant age gap.

Casting Director Responds to Age Gap Concerns

The discussion surrounding the age difference started with the release of the film's teaser. While some defended the casting decision, others questioned it. As the film's success continues, the filmmakers have finally responded to the controversy, offering insight into why the age gap was a specific choice.

In an interview with the Free Press Journal, Mukesh Chhabra stated that the casting was directly linked to the film's narrative. The storyline necessitated a significantly younger female character, making the age difference a crucial plot element. While refraining from revealing spoilers, Chhabra suggested that the reasoning would be better understood upon the release of *Dhurandhar 2* next year.

Chhabra clarified that Ranveer Singh’s character is written to be in a position of manipulating Sara Arjun’s character, making her age essential to the story. He acknowledged the potential controversy the casting choice would generate but maintained the team's conviction in their decision. He also noted that while numerous talented actors in the 26–27 age range were available, casting an older actor would have diminished the story's intended impact.

Addressing the online criticism, Chhabra admitted finding some social media reactions amusing. He asserted that not all creative decisions can be immediately justified and that some explanations unfold over time. He reiterated that the casting was perfectly aligned with the provided brief and the broader story arc planned for the franchise.

Sara Arjun's Casting Explained

Chhabra also discussed the selection of Sara Arjun for the role, revealing that nearly 1,300 actresses auditioned. The team aimed for surprise casting and sought a fresh face. Despite Sara Arjun's previous experience as a child actor, Chhabra believed she brought a new dynamic to the character.

Having observed Sara Arjun's growth as an actress over the years, Chhabra noted a depth and talent beyond her innocent appearance during the audition process. He believes audiences will witness an even more compelling performance from her in *Dhurandhar 2*, where her character undergoes further development.

In addition to Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun, *Dhurandhar* features a strong supporting cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, and R Madhavan, all of whom have garnered praise for their performances. With the release date of *Dhurandhar 2* confirmed for March 19, 2026, anticipation is already building.

As *Dhurandhar*'s box office success continues, the debate surrounding its casting choices remains active. Stay tuned for further updates.