The “Bhavandar” Effect: Did Ranveer Singh and Prakash Padukone Just Roast Dhruv Rathee

New Delhi, April 14, 2026: In the fast-paced world of Indian entertainment, sometimes the loudest statements are the ones made without saying a single word. This week, the internet has erupted into a frenzy over a new advertisement featuring Bollywood powerhouse Ranveer Singh and his father-in-law, badminton legend Prakash Padukone. While the ad was intended to showcase their endearing off-screen chemistry, eagle-eyed fans have spotted a “blink-and-miss-it” detail that many believe is a sophisticated roast directed at popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.

The detail in question? A fictional movie poster in the background titled “Bhavandar: The Tornado.”

The Ad That Sparked a Thousand Theories

The promotional campaign marks the first time Ranveer Singh and Prakash Padukone have shared the screen. The narrative of the ad is wholesome enough: Ranveer plays the “perfect girl-dad” (referencing his real-life journey with Deepika Padukone), picking up toys and treats, while Prakash Padukone joins him for a quintessential family outing.

The duo eventually heads to a cinema hall. It is here, while Ranveer is purchasing tickets and holding popcorn buckets, that the background steals the show. Displayed prominently on the digital screens behind them is a poster for a film called Bhavandar: The Tornado.

To the casual observer, it’s just a prop. But to the internet, it’s a “meta-joke” aimed squarely at Dhruv Rathee’s recent criticism of Ranveer Singh’s latest blockbuster franchise, Dhurandhar.

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Why “Bhavandar”? The Connection to Dhruv Rathee

The speculation isn’t baseless. A few weeks ago, Dhruv Rathee released a high-profile video dissecting Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh. In his analysis, Rathee was scathing, labeling the film as “blatant propaganda” and famously stating:

“Ab toh well-made propaganda bhi nahi raha” (Now, it’s not even well-made propaganda anymore).

The term “Bhavandar” (meaning storm or tornado) is often used in Hindi slang to describe a massive commotion or a “storm in a teacup.” Fans were quick to draw a linguistic parallel between the film’s actual title, Dhurandhar, and the ad’s fictional Bhavandar.

Social media users interpreted the “Directed by…” credit (which some claim mockingly mirrors Rathee’s presentation style) and the title itself as a tongue-in-cheek response to the “storm” Rathee tried to create around the film’s success.

Social Media Reacts: “This is Meta!”

It didn’t take long for the screenshots to go viral on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. The comments sections under the ad have transitioned from praising the Ranveer-Prakash duo to deconstructing the “Easter Egg.”

• “The ‘Bhavandar’ poster behind them though… Ranveer didn’t even have to say anything,” wrote one user.
• “Wait, I’m crying—the movie advertised is literally ‘Bhavandar.’ This is such a meta-roast of Rathee’s propaganda video,” another added.
• “Dhurandhar vs. Bhavandar. The marketing team deserves a raise for this level of pettiness!”

The Dhurandhar Phenomenon: Success Amidst Strife

The reason this “roast” carries so much weight is the unprecedented box-office journey of the Dhurandhar franchise. Despite the polarizing debates sparked by critics and YouTubers like Rathee, the films have become a juggernaut in Indian cinema history.

Milestone	Achievement
Total Franchise Collection	Over ₹3,000 Crore
Dhurandhar (Part 1)	₹1,300 Crore Worldwide
Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge	₹1,700 Crore in just 24 days
Record Status	Chasing Baahubali 2 and Pushpa 2

For Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar has been a career-defining turn, reinventing his image after a string of experimental roles. The fact that he chose to appear in an ad with his father-in-law—a man known for his calm and dignified public persona—only adds to the irony if this was indeed a deliberate dig at a loud online critic.

A Subtle Shift in Celebrity Responses

Historically, Bollywood A-listers ignored YouTube critics. However, 2026 seems to be the year of the “Subtle Clapback.” Instead of issuing legal notices or heated tweets, stars are increasingly using their commercial projects to embed “Easter Eggs” that only their core fanbase will decode.

By placing a Bhavandar poster in a scene where Ranveer is enjoying a movie with his family, the message seems to be: “While you’re making ‘storms’ (Bhavandars) on YouTube, we’re making records at the box office.”

Conclusion: Coincidence or Calculated?

While neither Ranveer Singh nor the brand has officially confirmed the dig, the timing is too perfect for many to ignore. In an era where digital narratives can impact a film’s “word of mouth,” this ad serves as a masterclass in brand protection and subtle humor.

Whether it was a direct roast of Dhruv Rathee or a sheer coincidence, one thing is certain: the “Bhavandar” has successfully diverted the conversation back to Ranveer’s dominance in the industry. As Dhurandhar 2 continues its record-breaking run, the actor seems content to let the posters—and the popcorn—do the talking.