R Madhavan Explains Limited Role in Dhurandhar, Promises Bigger Thrills in the Sequel

New Delhi, December 10, 2025: R. Madhavan, whose transformative portrayal of Intelligence Bureau Director Ajay Sanyal in the action-thriller Dhurandhar has been widely praised, has candidly addressed why his screen time in the first installment of the film is limited. The actor confirmed that fans craving more of his strategic character will have their wish granted in the announced sequel, Dhurandhar 2.

The spy action-thriller, which has stormed the box office since its release, features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Sanjay Dutt. Madhavan’s role as Ajay Sanyal—a character reportedly inspired by the current National Security Advisor—is positioned as the sharp, calculated mastermind behind the high-stakes mission.

The Reason for Limited Presence

In a recent interview with a film portal, Madhavan acknowledged the audience’s desire to see more of him but revealed that the narrative structure of the first film, directed by Aditya Dhar, necessitated his restricted appearance.

“My screen presence is limited in the first part,” Madhavan shared.

His character, Ajay Sanyal, is the ‘Charioteer of Karma’—the puppet master whose decisions unfold the story from the background. The first film, which focuses heavily on Ranveer Singh’s character, Jaskirat’s infiltration and transformation into Hamza Ali Mazari, lays the groundwork for the covert operation. Sanyal’s role in this part is primarily strategic and decision-making, which explains his lesser visibility compared to the agents on the ground.

A Major Role in Dhurandhar 2

The good news for Madhavan’s fans is the actor’s immediate promise for the sequel. He confirmed that his role will expand significantly as the story progresses into the next phase of the mission.

“But in the second part, which will release in March, there is a lot of my character as he trains Ranveer’s character in skills of espionage warfare,” the actor revealed.

This eagerly anticipated confirmation suggests that Dhurandhar 2 will delve deep into the mentor-trainee dynamic between the Intelligence Chief, Ajay Sanyal, and the operative, Jaskirat (Ranveer Singh). The sequel is expected to showcase the intense training, planning, and mental warfare required to transform an ordinary recruit into a deadly spy, making Madhavan’s presence integral to the entire narrative arc.

Praising the Director and Reflecting on a Stellar Year

Madhavan took the opportunity to shower praise on his director, Aditya Dhar, known for his work on Uri: The Surgical Strike. “Aditya Dhar is a monk. Through all the chaos of making a film so dense and intense, he would sit there for the anxieties to settle down. What a fine human being! After working with Aditya in Dhurandhar, I want to work with him again and again,” he stated.

Reflecting on his journey, the veteran actor expressed immense satisfaction with his career choices, calling Dhurandhar one of his most important films. Having worked with acclaimed directors like Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan, and Rajkumar Hirani, Madhavan sees his collaboration with Aditya Dhar as another major milestone.

With the film performing exceptionally well at the box office and the official announcement of Dhurandhar 2 hitting theatres on March 19, 2026, the anticipation for Madhavan’s expanded, meatier role is already through the roof.