Dhurandhar’s ripple effect: SRK and Bhansali weigh splitting their epics
Dhurandhar has done more than shatter box-office records — it’s reshaping how big-budget Hindi films are being planned. The blockbuster’s success has triggered fresh conversations across Bollywood, and two of the industry’s biggest names, Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, are already in early talks about changing release strategies for their forthcoming epics.
Why two parts are on the table
Insiders say both camps are considering releasing their films in two parts, scheduled less than six months apart. The logic is simple: Dhurandhar proved audiences will return for a continuation, and splitting an epic can deliver creative space and commercial uplift. Sources tell Bollywood Hungama that both projects have grown beyond their initial budgets and scale, making a two-part approach an attractive option.
Possible timelines
- Love and War (Bhansali): tentatively August 2026 for Part 1 and January 2027 for Part 2.
- King (Shah Rukh Khan): tentatively September 2026 for Part 1 and March 2027 for Part 2.
These are preliminary timelines. A final decision will depend on the footage each filmmaker has and choices made on the edit table. Both teams are still shooting, and splitting the films will only happen if the material genuinely warrants two chapters.
Creative and commercial reasons driving the shift
Filmmakers and producers are increasingly attracted to the two-part model for several reasons:
- Storytelling freedom: Longer runtimes across two films allow for deeper exploration of subplots and character arcs without rushing.
- Revenue streams: Two releases can mean higher theatrical returns plus more value from satellite and digital rights.
- Risk management: Staggered releases give studios flexibility to market each part distinctly and build audience momentum.
Creative teams note that Dhurandhar’s success has given them the confidence to think bigger. Writers are already drafting scripts with longer formats in mind, hoping to adopt the two-part formula where it fits the story.
What’s next
For now, both films remain in production and only a call from the edit room will seal the fate of the two-part plan. If the splits happen, fans can expect a packed slate in late 2026 and early 2027, turning the next year into a feast for audiences who love sweeping, cinematic epics.
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar’s sequel is set to release on March 19, and its post-release influence on the industry is already clear. The coming months promise interesting shifts in how big Bollywood stories are told and released.