Behind the Headlines: What’s Getting Dhurandhar 2 into Trouble?
An Unexpected Turn for a Highly Anticipated Sequel
Dhurandhar: The Revenge — commonly referred to in media coverage as Dhurandhar 2 — is one of the most anticipated films in the Indian entertainment calendar for 2026. As the follow-up to the blockbuster Dhurandhar released in December 2025, the sequel was poised to continue its predecessor’s mix of high-stakes espionage, action, and drama. Yet, as Dhurandhar 2 finalises its production and prepares for release, developments far removed from its story have landed the project — and its production team — in legal and administrative trouble.
Rather than focusing on box-office expectations and star power, this article explains why the film’s production has encountered pushback from civic authorities and what the implications may be.
The Central Issue: Civic Actions Against the Production House
At the heart of the controversy is the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — India’s municipal authority responsible for governing Greater Mumbai, including permitting and regulating film shoots in the city.
In mid-February 2026, BMC officials moved to blacklist B62 Studios, the production company headed by filmmaker Aditya Dhar, who also directed Dhurandhar and its sequel. The reason? Alleged repeated violations of civic and safety regulations during the film’s shooting in parts of Mumbai.
According to authorities, these violations include:
- Shooting in prohibited locations, such as a rooftop terrace, without proper clearances;
- Using equipment — including generator vans — without full permissions;
- Failing to adhere to conditions tied to police and civic approvals, such as restrictions on flammable materials;
- Ignoring repeated cautions and warnings about compliance.
As a result of these alleged breaches, BMC officials have taken three significant actions:
- Proposed permanent blacklisting of B62 Studios and related applicants from applying for future film shoot permissions in Mumbai.
- Sought a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh for unauthorised activities.
- Called for the forfeiture of the ₹25,000 security deposit that was put up during the permit process.
Civic authorities framed these steps as necessary to uphold safety standards and ensure that large-scale productions comply with local rules designed to protect public welfare.
Why These Issues Have Emerged
Tight Regulatory Framework for Film Shoots in Mumbai
Filming in Mumbai — one of India’s most heavily used locations for commercial cinema — is governed by a layered set of permissions involving multiple civic and police departments. Permission typically hinges on:
- Clearance from the municipal body where the shoot is happening;
- Adherence to safety conditions prescribed by police, especially for crowded or heritage areas;
- No-objection certificates (NOCs) from heritage and traffic authorities if required.
These permissions are intended to balance filmmakers’ artistic ambitions with public interest, traffic management, fire safety, and general urban governance.
In the case of Dhurandhar 2, officials say the production was repeatedly asked to follow the terms under which permits were granted — including restrictions on flammable materials and approved equipment — yet was found to have breached those conditions on more than one occasion.
Operational Challenges and Creative Pressures
Film productions, especially large action sequences, often involve complex logistics — coordinating equipment, managing large crews, and recreating cinematic effects in live urban environments. In such settings, oversight and compliance are not just administrative requirements but safety imperatives.
Officials noted — and media reporting has reiterated — that some of the actions on set were not just procedural missteps but could have posed safety risks to cast, crew, and the general public.
It’s worth noting that Dhurandhar 2 is not the first Bollywood project this year to face regulatory scrutiny; high-profile shoots have occasionally become entangled in debates around permits, safety, and civic oversight. However, a permanent blacklist proposal is a relatively severe administrative response — signalling that authorities see the matter as more than a minor infraction.
Timeline of Key Developments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 30, 2026 | Filming permission granted by municipal authorities for certain days in A ward of Mumbai. |
| Feb 7–8, 2026 | BMC flags the first set of alleged violations — including use of prohibited materials — and issues warnings. |
| Feb 13–14, 2026 | A fresh permission request is made under another applicant’s name, approved with conditions. |
| Feb 14, 2026 (night) | Police receive complaints about lit torches being used on set; several are seized. |
| Mid-Feb 2026 | BMC moves to blacklist the production house, seek fines, and forfeit deposits. |
This sequence highlights how initial approvals can quickly turn into disputes if authorities perceive non-compliance or emerging risks to public safety.
Who Is Affected and How
Filmmakers and Production Company
At the most direct level, B62 Studios — the company producing Dhurandhar 2 — is facing administrative sanctions that could impact its ability to shoot in Mumbai in the future. As a major production hub, losing access to reliable filming permissions in the city could:
- Complicate future projects;
- Increase costs if shoots must be relocated outside Maharashtra;
- Delay production schedules for films with tight timelines.
Public perception may also factor into broader discussions about industry responsibility and corporate compliance.
Cast and Wider Film Crew
A large film production typically engages hundreds, sometimes thousands, of cast and crew members whose work schedules depend on smooth operational flow. Delays or reprisals affecting filming permits can disrupt continuity, push back release dates, and affect contractual obligations.
Broader Public and Community
Mumbai residents and commuters are stakeholders when commercial projects operate in public spaces. The city’s aesthetic, safety, and traffic flow depend on regulated shoots. Authorities argue that strict enforcement protects the public from unnecessary risks. Any incident involving fire hazards, unauthorized equipment, or disruption could potentially affect local communities.
Wider Context and Precedents
This controversy does not emerge in isolation. Dhurandhar, the first film on which Dhurandhar 2 is based, was itself embroiled in debates over its narrative treatment of real-world events and political contexts — generating discussion about accuracy and representation.
More broadly, there have been instances where Bollywood or other film shoots in India have tested the limits of regulatory oversight, prompting civic bodies in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai to tighten guidelines. These range from traffic management during street shoots to environmental and safety clearances for action sequences.
In this environment, production teams are increasingly aware that compliance is not just bureaucratic red tape but a framework that maintains public trust and safety.
Impact Beyond the Immediate Controversy
Film Industry Practices
The Dhurandhar 2 situation underscores a tension increasingly visible in Indian cinema: balancing ambitious, large-scale filmmaking with procedural adherence and civic responsibility.
If the blacklist is enacted as proposed, it could:
- Prompt other filmmakers to re-evaluate how they plan shoots and engage with authorities;
- Spur production houses to invest more in compliance staff and planning;
- Encourage city officials to streamline permission processes while maintaining safety safeguards.
Audience Expectations
The film’s March 19, 2026 release date still stands, and public enthusiasm remains strong. Dhurandhar’s predecessor was a financial and cultural phenomenon — ranking among India’s highest-grossing films — despite controversy over its narrative approach.
For audiences, the current issues raise questions about how much off-screen developments might impact the final cinematic experience or availability of promotional content.
What Could Happen Next
Several scenarios are possible in the coming weeks:
-
Formalization of the Blacklist
If BMC’s proposal is ratified and notices issued, B62 Studios could be restricted from seeking new permissions in Mumbai — a significant administrative setback. -
Appeals and Legal Challenges
The production house may challenge the civic body’s actions, potentially in court or through appeals within municipal frameworks. These challenges could argue procedural fairness or contest specific allegations. -
Operational Adjustments
Even without outright sanctions, production teams may shift scenes to alternate locations, reschedule shoots, or adjust plans to comply with authorities. -
Industry Response
Other production houses and professional bodies could lobby for clearer guidelines or a review of enforcement practices, aiming for a balance between safety and creative license.
Conclusion: A Deeper Look Beyond the Controversy
The trouble surrounding Dhurandhar 2 is not merely a celebrity or film-industry headline; it reflects deeper issues at the intersection of commercial creativity, civic regulation, public safety, and urban governance.
For Mumbai — one of the world’s busiest film production cities — finding the right equilibrium between enabling artistic work and enforcing rules that protect residents and infrastructure is an ongoing challenge.
At a time when Indian cinema continues to expand its global footprint, incidents like this underscore that film-making is not just an artistic endeavour but a complex logistical operation that must navigate diverse legal, civic, and societal expectations.