In March, Indian cinema is staring directly at a clash that feels less like a release-date competition and more like a referendum on stardom, masculinity and audience appetite in a post-pan-India cinematic era. On one side sands Yash, returning after the seismic success of the 2022 KGF: Chapter 2, with his new film Toxic, positioned as a dark and stylish “fairytale for grownups.” One the other end is Ranveer Singh, doubling down on raw intensity with Dhurandhar 2, the sequel to the December 2025 Aditya Dhar film that established him, as a ferocious, morally complex force. Both films promise hypermasculinity turned up to eleven, but the real question is, which vision will translate into box office dominance?
If we look at the numbers, Yash’s KGF: Chapter 2 grossed Rs 1215 crore worldwide in its lifetime business. Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar has already crossed Rs 1228 crore globally and is still going strong at theatres.
Yash and Ranveer Singh: Two Stars, Two Kinds of Power
In all reality, Yash and Ranveer Singh represent contrasting models of contemporary stardom. Yash’s ascent has been mythical in contemporary cinema. KGF did not just make him a pan-India star; it turned him into a symbol. Yash became a walking, talking embodiment of dominance, swagger, and mass appeal. Add to the fact that there has been radio silence between releases, it has only added to the mystique. Toxic is not just his comeback; but rather it is a statement of intent that he refuses to be boxed into just one brand of mass cinema.
India’s OG Gully Boy Ranveer Singh, by contrast, thrives on excess. His career has been defined by varied choices and explosive performances and an almost reckless, chameleon-like commitment to transformation. With Dhurandhar, Ranveer’s Hamza has tapped into a darker, more violent masculinity, shedding flamboyance for brutality. Two things work increasingly in his favour – the interest has not dwindled around Dhurandhar and a sequel only amplifies expectations – bigger emotions, sharper rage, and a character even more unhinged than before.
Hypermasculinity: Style vs Savagery
Hypermasculinity has long been Indian cinema’s favourite currency. Kabir Singh, Animal – all of them have tapped into it. Toxic and Dhurandhar 2 seem to approach it from opposing philosophies. Toxic, the Geetu Mohandas directorial, from what little the teaser that released today shows, appears controlled, seductive, and atmospheric. The teaser hints at a masculinity that doesn’t shout but simmers. Yash’s Raya arrives and the world bends around him. This is hypermasculinity as mythology – a king, a ruler, a force of nature whose violence feels inevitable rather than impulsive.
Dhurandhar 2, meanwhile, promises hypermasculinity as combustion. Ranveer’s characters often feel like they’re moments away from self-destruction, and that volatility is his biggest weapon. Yash commands, but Ranveer attacks. Where Toxic hints at elegance laced with poison, Dhurandhar 2 seems a ticking time bomb ready to plunge audiences into sweat, blood, and moral chaos.
But the burning question is, does today’s audience want the controlled alpha or the raging beast?
Geetu Mohandas Vs Aditya Dhar: The Director Factor
Geetu Mohandas is a wildcard. Known for her indie sensibilities and emotional precision, her collaboration with a star like Yash is intriguing. Toxic doesn’t look like a standard star vehicle – it is a more curated cinema, international in tone, and a deliberate slow-burn. Its tonality could elevate the film critically and help turn global. But it also risks alienating sections of the mass audience that expect constant fireworks.
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, assuming from what little is available for viewing, if it leans into the template that worked for the first film, seems to be a sure shot commercial success. Sequels often tend to benefit from familiarity and since the audience already knows the world, tone and rage they are signing up for, could lead to stronger openings, especially in single screens and mass belts.
Pan-India vs Pan-Emotion
Speaking purely from a pan-India point of view, Yash clearly has an advantage. KGF cracked markets across North India, something few South stars have ever achieved at that scale. Toxic seems designed to sustain that reach. Furthermore with its English title, global aesthetic and cross-cultural storytelling – if marketed well, it could pull in audiences at the urban multiplex, alongside hardcore fans.
Ranveer Singh, on the other hand, despite massive popularity, has seen fluctuations in box-office consistency. His highs are massive, but his recent films have shown that audiences are increasingly selective. Dhurandhar 2 needs to reassure viewers that it offers not just intensity, but also offers a narrative which is both emotional, and spectacle-driven.
Toxic Vs Dhurandhar: The Opening Weekend Box Office Battle
Going by pure numbers, Dhurandhar 2 may have the edge if it leans heavily into mass marketing and front-loaded hype. Sequels tend to open big, riding on goodwill and curiosity. Ranveer’s aggressive promotional style could further fuel that initial surge.
Toxic, however, feels like a film that would rather grow slowly, rather than explode. Word of mouth will be crucial. If audiences buy into its darker, more refined vision of masculinity, it could enjoy strong legs.
But, Masculinity Fatigue Or Masculinity Reinvented?
However, one term that keeps on cropping up in recent years and could play into the business of both films is fatigue. Audiences have been consuming a steady diet of violent, alpha-male driven narratives over the past few years, and for Dhurandhar 2, the challenge will be in escalation, without repetition.
On the other hand, Toxic might benefit because it appears different. Its hypermasculinity does not fell too loud – rather classic, more psychological dominance.
Toxic Vs Dhurandhar: Who Might Win Box Office Crown?
A difficult question, but Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 could dominate if it delivers the visceral thrills its title promises. The actor’s ferocity is box-office gold when it clicks. However, longevity, cultural imprint, and pan-India staying power, is something that Yash possesses, and as such, Toxic has the edge.
In conclusion, Toxic vs Dhurandhar 2 isn’t just a box-office clash; it’s a clash of masculine ideals between two mammoth actors. And in the very end, the winner may depend on timing, marketing, and audience mood. But, going by trends, one thing that seems to be certain is that hypermasculinity isn’t going anywhere – it is simply evolving.
