Chitrangada Singh on Why Women Rarely Lead Films Like Dhurandhar: “It’s the Biology of It”

As Dhurandhar continues to dominate box-office conversations after emerging as one of 2025’s biggest hits, actor Chitrangada Singh weighed in on why male leads usually dominate war dramas and action thrillers—and why female-led action films could offer something fresh and unexpected.

Why Women Rarely Lead High-Octane Action Films

In a candid interview with Hindustan Times, Chitrangada Singh said, “It’s just the biology of it. Physically and biologically, a woman is not [deemed fit for the part]. I know some people might not like what I’m saying, but it’s a fact. There are many social reasons why women can’t possibly be sent off like Ranveer Singh’s character in Dhurandhar goes. Certain realism is required when it comes to that.”

She explained that action films often demand physical intensity and narrative situations that are traditionally written for men, which limits female-led participation.

Female Action Leads Could Be a Game-Changer

Despite these constraints, Chitrangada believes female leads in action cinema could be a cinematic revelation. She said, “Having said that, there can be some amazing action sequences like there is Lokah and a South action film done in early 2025, which was one of the most gruesome action films I have ever seen. I don’t know why filmmakers would not look at women doing action, because when you see that, it is something so unexpected. That kind of intense, gruesome violence a woman is capable of when driven to a point—it’s so exciting.”

She added, “If your story backs a character like this, if it’s well-written, it makes for amazing cinema. There’s no reason female action leads can’t work; it’s about crafting the character and narrative properly.”

Dhurandhar: The Revenge Teaser Sparks Excitement

Meanwhile, the first glimpse of Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been unveiled, teasing Ranveer Singh’s character Hamza as he takes on India’s enemies in Pakistan. Fans got a taste of high-octane sequences alongside ensemble stars including Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt.

Hamza’s dialogue in the teaser—“Yeh Naya Hindustan hai. Yeh ghar mein ghusega bhi aur maarega bhi”—has already gone viral, creating buzz ahead of the film’s theatrical release. Dhurandhar 2, with Ranveer Singh in the lead, is slated to hit cinemas on March 19, 2025.