The much-awaited sequel Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh, hit theatres on March 19, 2026, and has taken the box office by storm. Following the success of its prequel, the action film has been widely embraced by audiences, earning an impressive Rs 674.17 crore within its first week, according to Sacnilk.
While the film’s high-octane action and performances have drawn praise, a particular plot element has ignited discussion, its depiction of mercury poisoning.
During the climax, the character Jameel Jamali, played by Rakesh Bedi, shows Hamza an image of himself shaking hands with underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim during their first meeting. Hours after this interaction, Bade Sahab begins experiencing distress during a meal, eventually becoming bedridden for life. The narrative suggests that a single drop of poison administered during the handshake led to his condition.
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The end-credit scene further intensifies the intrigue. Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh), shown undergoing training, is introduced, along with fellow cadets, to a capsule containing concentrated mercury. An expert in the scene claims that even a drop penetrating the skin can mimic symptoms of food poisoning.
Experts Weigh In on Scientific Accuracy
Medical professionals, however, caution against taking the film’s portrayal at face value.
Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director & HOD, Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, explained, “Mercury is a well-known neurotoxin that can significantly affect the brain and nervous system. However, its depiction in films is often dramatised for effect.”
“While the concept of mercury acting as a ‘slow poison’ has some scientific basis, the way it is shown cinematically may not always be entirely accurate,” he added.
According to Dr Bhardwaj, mercury poisoning can indeed develop gradually, particularly with prolonged exposure to organic compounds like methylmercury, which accumulate in the body. Early symptoms may include irritability, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, while prolonged exposure can lead to tremors, memory issues, mood disturbances, and impaired coordination.
Dr Rajul Aggarwal, Director – Neurology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, also highlighted the gap between cinematic portrayal and medical reality, stating, “As showcased in film Dhurandhar 2, Mercury poisoning is highly dramatized and not accurate as per the medical science. There are generally three main forms of mercury exposure – elemental, inorganic, and organic (methylmercury)—each impacting the body in a different way. The most dangerous forms for humans is methylmercury, which is most commonly acquired through the contaminated foods. Such as fish. Once it is inside the body, mercury usually impacts the nervous system, kidneys and in some cases lungs as well. Over time symptoms of mercury poisoning gets develop, and may also include tremors, problems related to memory, irritability, numbness in hands and veet, vision problem, and difficulty in coordination as well. Acute amount of exposure in very high doses can also be dangerous to life but such cases are usually rare and typically occur in laboratory settings – not in the quick – covert manner as depicted in the movie. Another significant point is that mercury poisoning is not easily administered or concealed as the perfect crime. It also requires a significant amount of exposure, and symptoms are usually detectable through the clinical evaluation and toxicology tests as well. If diagnosed on early basis, then medical treatment is definitely possible, by using chelation therapy in order to remove heavy metal from the body. In total, while mercury is indeed dangerous, its depiction in film tends to increase speed, ease and invisibility of poisoning as well. Real life toxicity of mercury is slower, clinically easy traceable and far complex as suggested in the cinematic narratives.”
Dr Bhardwaj further clarified that “the portrayal of mercury instantly penetrating intact skin and acting rapidly like a covert ‘slow poison’ is not entirely accurate,” explaining that elemental mercury is poorly absorbed through intact skin. Instead, the most dangerous exposure occurs through inhalation of vapours or ingestion.
Detection and Treatment
Experts also emphasize that mercury poisoning is detectable through medical testing. Blood, urine, and hair analyses, along with neurological examinations and imaging, can help assess exposure and its effects.
“It’s not an untraceable poison, especially once the symptoms begin to manifest,” Dr Bhardwaj said.
Treatment primarily involves eliminating exposure and, in early cases, administering chelation therapy to remove heavy metals from the body. However, doctors caution that severe neurological damage may be irreversible, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis.
Reality vs Reel
Addressing the film’s central premise, Dr Bhardwaj stated that a single drop of mercury is unlikely to cause severe poisoning through mere skin contact.
“The risk increases significantly if mercury is inhaled as vapour in a confined space or ingested in toxic forms. The idea that a single drop can silently trigger a prolonged, fatal poisoning process is an oversimplification. Toxicity depends on multiple factors, including the chemical form of mercury, route of exposure, dose, and duration,” he explained.
While Dhurandhar 2 continues to dominate the box office, experts stress that its depiction of mercury poisoning should be viewed as fiction rather than medical fact, urging greater public awareness about real-world exposure risks.
(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)
