Bollywood’s Dhurandhar Franchise Prepares for Strategic Broadcast Rights Sale Ahead of Sequel Release
The Bollywood industry continues to showcase its evolving business models as the makers of the blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar gear up for a significant shift in how they monetize their hit franchise. In a move that underscores the growing importance of television and digital platforms in the film industry, the production team is planning to sell the broadcast rights for both installments of the film as a comprehensive package. This strategic decision aims to maximize revenue streams before the highly anticipated sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, hits theaters in March 2026.
The Phenomenal Success of Dhurandhar in Theaters
Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar starring Bollywood icon Ranveer Singh alongside a stellar ensemble cast—including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal—immediately captured audience attention. The film’s intense narrative, ambitious production scale, and gripping action sequences contributed to its remarkable box office performance, making it one of the most talked-about Hindi films of the year.
Breaking multiple box office records, Dhurandhar not only solidified its status as a commercial blockbuster but also rekindled interest in spy thrillers within Bollywood. Its success has set high expectations for the upcoming sequel, which promises to expand the franchise’s universe and deliver even more high-octane entertainment.
Innovative Broadcast Rights Strategy: Bundling Both Films
According to a public notice published in the renowned trade magazine Complete Cinema, the film’s creators—led by director Aditya Dhar and Jio Studios—are in advanced negotiations to secure exclusive broadcast and retransmission rights. This package will cover a broad spectrum of media, including satellite channels, DTH (direct-to-home) services, IPTV (internet protocol television), cable networks, and other digital platforms.
Industry insiders reveal that this move to bundle both Dhurandhar films into a single broadcast license represents a shrewd business approach. By offering both installments together, the producers aim to attract lucrative deals from broadcasters who are eager to showcase the franchise to Indian audiences and the global diaspora. This strategy also ensures a steady revenue flow, leveraging the franchise’s current popularity and the anticipated blockbuster success of the sequel.
Timing and Release Plans for Television and Digital Platforms
Sources familiar with the negotiations shared that the first film is expected to begin airing on television from March 31, 2026. This timing aligns with the typical post-theatrical window, allowing for a strategic buildup of audience interest. Meanwhile, the second installment, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026, will make its television debut approximately 117 days later—around late June or early July 2026. This nearly four-month gap is consistent with industry standards, striking a balance between theatrical exclusivity and maximizing TV and digital revenue.
Such a staggered approach not only enhances the franchise’s visibility across multiple platforms but also caters to different audience segments—those eager to experience the film on the big screen first and others who prefer the comfort of their homes.
Why This Strategy Makes Business Sense for Bollywood and Beyond
Trade analysts interpret this bundling approach as a pragmatic and forward-thinking move. Taran Adarsh, a respected film critic and industry veteran, emphasized that consolidating the rights for both films provides a financial cushion for producers. “If true, it’s a practical decision. Sometimes in the past, producers have clubbed multiple projects together to secure better deals. With Dhurandhar breaking numerous box office records, the makers are in a position to demand favorable terms,” he explained.
This approach also reflects a broader trend in Bollywood, where franchise-driven films are increasingly viewed as valuable assets that can generate revenue through multiple channels—cinema, television, streaming platforms, and merchandise. The success of Dhurandhar exemplifies how Bollywood is adapting to changing viewer habits, emphasizing digital consumption and global reach.
Global Territories and Ongoing Negotiations
While negotiations are still ongoing, reports indicate that the broadcast rights deal covers most international territories, excluding regions like China, Taiwan, and Macau. These markets often have different regulatory frameworks or competitive dynamics, which may influence the final terms of the deal.
Neither Jio Studios nor the film’s producers have officially commented on the specifics of the media rights agreement, maintaining a cautious stance as negotiations progress. However, industry experts anticipate that these deals will set a precedent for future franchise releases in Bollywood, emphasizing the importance of strategic media rights management in maximizing a film’s lifetime revenue.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Bollywood Franchises
The strategic sale of Dhurandhar’s broadcast rights highlights a transformative period for Bollywood, where content monetization extends beyond traditional theatrical releases. As the franchise prepares for its sequel, the industry is keenly watching how this integrated media approach will influence future projects.
With the growing prominence of digital streaming platforms like JioCinema, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix, Bollywood filmmakers are increasingly exploring innovative distribution models. This not only broadens audience reach but also enhances revenue opportunities, especially for big-budget franchises like Dhurandhar.
Conclusion: A New Era for Bollywood’s Business Models
In summary, the decision to bundle the broadcast rights of Dhurandhar’s two films reflects a calculated and confident move by Bollywood’s top filmmakers and production houses. It underscores the industry’s shifting focus towards multi-platform monetization, aligning with global entertainment trends. As Dhurandhar gears up for its sequel and wider distribution, it exemplifies how Bollywood continues to evolve as a powerhouse of cinematic innovation and savvy business strategy.
Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how this pioneering approach will shape the future of Bollywood films, ensuring that the industry remains dynamic, profitable, and globally competitive in the years to come.
