Ranveer Singh-Sara Arjun age gap ‘is correct’, casting director says answers lie in Dhurandhar 2

Ever since Dhurandhar was announced, one aspect has consistently dominated conversations- the nearly 20-year age gap between Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun. While the film itself has gone on to become a global juggernaut, crossing Rs 550 crore at the worldwide box office, the debate around casting continues to simmer.

Must Read: Dhurandhar: Ranveer Singh FINALLY breaks silence on romancing 20-years-younger Sara Arjun, ‘You make me look better’

Audiences may have embraced the story, but curiosity around the casting choice remains far from settled. 

Casting Under the Spotlight

Sara Arjun’s selection was no casual decision. Earlier reports revealed that she emerged victorious from an exhaustive audition process involving nearly 1,300 girls.

Now, casting director Mukesh Chhabra has finally addressed why this age difference was not just intentional- but essential.

According to him, the controversy itself will find its resolution in the sequel.

“We Wanted Someone Completely Fresh”

Explaining his creative intent in a conversation with Free Press Journal, Chhabra shared, “I am very happy that a lot of directors, including Aditya, are now giving more chances to newcomers. So, my idea was that we are creating the whole world. So, we are doing surprise casting, and this girl should look completely fresh. Even though she has been a child actor and has done a couple of films as a child actor, we wanted to give a fresh approach."

Chhabra continued, "So, I have been working with Sara for many years, and she has been coming for auditions. She is really a lovely girl. When she gave the audition, I saw the hidden talent behind her sweet face. She is such an amazing actor, you will see that in part 2. You will be surprised.”

The emphasis, he suggests, was not age- but authenticity and freshness.

Why the Age Gap Was Non-Negotiable?

When questioned directly about whether the significant age difference gave him pause, Chhabra was unequivocal.

He said, “No, I had got a very clear brief. The story is that he (Ranveer) is trying to trap her (Sara). So, we knew that we wanted a young girl who is 20-21 years old. And when part 2 comes, whoever is talking about the age gap will get all the answers."

Chhabra added, "It's not like we don't have good actors in that 26-27 years of age group; we have good actors. But this was (age gap) required in the film. Everything you can't explain to people. When I was also reading about the age gap, I was laughing. According to the film's brief, it is correct.”

In other words, the narrative demanded it- even if public opinion didn’t immediately agree.

Also Read: After Dhurandhar debut, Sara Arjun thanks Ranveer Singh with a touching tribute

All Answers Await in the Sequel

With Dhurandhar 2 slated to hit theatres on March 19, 2026, the makers remain confident that the controversy will eventually fade. Until then, the age-gap debate continues- but the filmmakers insist the story will speak for itself.