Box-Office Face-off Heats Up: RGV Backs Dhurandhar 2 Over Toxic
As two of Indian cinema’s biggest releases gear up for a rare simultaneous launch on March 19, 2026, veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has stoked discussion by publicly throwing his support behind Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge over Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown‑Ups, a clash the industry is already dubbing #Dhuroxic.
Varma’s comments have turned heads on social media and in film circles, where his candid take on the forthcoming box-office battle has amplified buzz around both films’ highly anticipated releases. Rather than framing the clash as a simple competition of star power or regional markets, RGV defines it as a “battle between two cultures of cinema”, one that he believes reflects deeper differences in filmmaking philosophy and audience engagement.
At the heart of argument by RGV is his assertion that Dhurandhar 2, the sequel to the December 2025 blockbuster starring Ranveer Singh, “respects the audience’s intelligence,” while Toxic, led by Yash, presumes their dumbness. He’s called the face-off a “brutal clash between two cultures, not of regions, but of cinema,” deliberately pushing back against narratives that describe it as North vs South or Bollywood vs Sandalwood.
Varma’s lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter) contrasts the two films in vivid terms: he praises Dhurandhar 2 for its grounded action and narrative depth while taking a playful jab at Toxic’s spectacle-driven appeal. His commentary touches on everything from storytelling to action sequences and the perceived difference between “money being poured” into grandeur versus “money being put to use” for thoughtful cinema.
Industry reactions to Varma’s remarks are mixed. Some observers see his statements as a bold critique of modern blockbuster formulas, while others view them as typical RGV provocation designed to spark debate. Regardless, his endorsement has energized conversation about the upcoming theatrical clash and heightened expectations for both films.
The Dhurandhar 2 franchise has already enjoyed massive success, with its first instalment earning blockbuster status at the box office, fueling anticipation for the sequel’s release. Meanwhile, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geethu Mohandas, has generated substantial hype of its own, especially among fans of Yash’s intense action persona and the film’s bold teasers.
As March 19 draws closer, film lovers and trade analysts alike are watching closely, not just to see which movie wins on opening weekend, but what the clash says about audience tastes in an increasingly crowded cinematic landscape. In RGV’s view, this isn’t just about box-office numbers, it’s about the “type of cinema” India will choose.
