Why B62 Studios’ Back-to-Back Gamble Could Change Bollywood’s Franchise Game

Mumbai: In an industry where film sequels usually arrive years apart—often struggling to recreate the magic of the original—B62 Studios has taken a bold and unprecedented step with its action-thriller franchise Dhurandhar. The studio shot Dhurandhar Part 1 and Part 2 back-to-back as a single, continuous production, later splitting the project into two films for release—an approach rarely attempted at this scale in mainstream Hindi cinema.

Industry observers say the move has the potential to redefine how Bollywood approaches franchises, especially big-budget, star-driven projects. By locking in the same cast, crew and creative vision across both parts, the studio ensured continuity, narrative flow and production efficiency—factors often lost when sequels are delayed by years.

Following a Global Production Blueprint

Globally, the back-to-back production model has proven successful. Quentin Tarantino famously shot Kill Bill as one long film before releasing it in two volumes, while franchises like The Matrix and Pirates of the Caribbean adopted parallel or continuous production to maintain creative coherence.

In Hindi cinema, Gangs of Wasseypur came closest to this format, but it was a mid-budget, gritty project that gained cult status rather than being positioned as a mainstream blockbuster. Dhurandhar, however, operates on a very different scale.

Featuring a powerhouse ensemble—Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun—the film reflects what insiders describe as studio-level conviction rather than cautious experimentation.

Why the Studio Took the Risk

According to those involved in the project, the decision was driven by three key factors:

  • Logistical efficiency: Shooting both parts together compressed schedules, secured locations, and ensured uninterrupted availability of the cast, preventing the delays often associated with sequels.
  • Narrative integrity: Part 2 was not contingent on the box-office performance of Part 1. The entire story was committed to from day one, preserving its creative arc.
  • Setting an industry precedent: Backed by B62 Studios in association with Jio Studios, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, the project aimed to prove that large-scale back-to-back productions are viable in India.

A High-Stakes Bet

The approach was not without risk. Shooting two films simultaneously meant doubling financial exposure. Even if Part 1 underperformed, Part 2 would still exist—already completed and costly.

But industry insiders believe that this very commitment sends a strong signal. Rather than hedging bets, the studio chose to go “all in,” banking on audience appetite for ambition and scale.

What It Could Mean for Hindi Cinema

If both parts of Dhurandhar perform strongly, the model could encourage other studios to rethink franchise planning—moving closer to global blockbuster strategies that prioritise long-term vision over short-term caution.

Analysts suggest this could lead to:

  • More cohesive storytelling across franchises
  • Reduced production gaps between sequels
  • Better utilisation of star availability and resources

Beyond Box Office Numbers

While Dhurandhar has already generated significant buzz for its action, performances and box-office traction, the larger story lies behind the scenes. The film has demonstrated that Indian studios can adopt global production practices without compromising local storytelling or identity.

Written, directed and produced by Aditya Dhar, and presented by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar stands as more than just a high-octane action thriller. With its back-to-back production strategy, Dhurandhar Part 2 is being viewed as evidence of an evolving, more confident era in Indian blockbuster filmmaking—one where studios are willing to lead change rather than follow it.

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