Aditya Dhar Teases Dhurandhar Return at National Film Awards

While celebrating Article 370’s sweep of top honors, the filmmaker hinted the political thriller sequel could reappear on the awards stage next year.

Aditya Dhar and Yami Gautam stepped onto the red carpet of the 72nd National Film Awards in Gujarat, their smiles lit by the flash of cameras and the buzz around Article 370’s triumph. The political drama walked away with the top honour for Best Feature Film, while Gautam lifted the trophy for Best Actress. The ceremony also handed Shashwat Sachdev the award for Best Music Direction, rounding off a clean sweep for the 2024 release.

Amid the applause, Dhar stole a moment to look ahead. When asked whether his blockbuster Dhurandhar would ever make a splash at the awards, he replied, “We will discuss Dhurandhar, hopefully if we come next year also.” The comment, captured on the event’s live feed, hinted that the 2025 thriller – which has already amassed roughly Rs 3,000 crore at the box office – could be on the jury’s radar for the 2027 edition, once eligibility windows line up.

Gautam, still buzzing from her win, described the accolade as “the biggest validation for any artist.” Her words, delivered in a brief interview, underscored how the national recognition feels after years of grinding on the craft.

The timing of Dhar’s tease is interesting. The National Film Awards consider films released in the previous calendar year. Since Dhurandhar hit theatres in 2025, it missed the 2026 cut‑off that honored Article 370. That leaves the sequel eligible for the next ceremony, provided the producers submit it within the stipulated period. Industry insiders have already speculated that the franchise’s massive earnings will make it a strong contender for categories ranging from Best Film to technical awards.

For fans, the tease is a welcome reminder that the Dhurandhar universe isn’t done expanding. The original, directed by Dhar, broke records and sparked a wave of political‑thriller sequels. Its sequel, slated for a 2026 release, is already generating buzz, and an awards nod could add a layer of prestige to the commercial juggernaut.

Meanwhile, the night also celebrated other heavyweights. Kartik Aaryan walked away with Best Actor for Chandu Champion, while Malayalam legend Mammootty earned the same honour for Bramayugam. Dhanush received a special mention for Captain Miller, and Randeep Hooda’s directorial debut Swatantrya Veer Savarkar clinched Best Debut Film of a Director. The spread of awards highlighted the diverse storytelling that Indian cinema is delivering across languages.

As the ceremony wrapped, the buzz shifted from the trophies to the tease. Social media lit up with speculation about when Dhurandhar might finally step onto the awards stage. If Dhar’s promise holds, the franchise could be back in the spotlight by early 2027, adding another chapter to a story that has already reshaped the box‑office landscape.

Industry analysts note that political thrillers seldom dominate the awards circuit, so Dhurandhar’s possible nomination would mark a shift. A nod for the sequel could broaden the acceptance of commercially driven, issue‑laden cinema within the traditionally art‑focused awards framework.

The original’s Rs 3,000 crore box‑office haul puts it in a tiny club of Indian films to breach the three‑billion‑rupee barrier, a figure that usually fuels an aggressive awards push. Gautam, for her part, teased that she’s eyeing roles outside the political arena, aiming to capitalise on the buzz from her national triumph.

So while Article 370 enjoys its moment in the sun, the real cliffhanger for many is whether Dhurandhar will claim its own slice of national glory next year.