On July 5, 2025, just hours before his 40th birthday, Ranveer Singh took the unexpected step of deleting all his Instagram posts, including his profile picture, replacing it with a black background. The move left fans puzzled and sparked widespread speculation, particularly as the actor shared a singular cryptic Instagram Story featuring two swords and the numbers “12.12,” hinting at an intense upcoming event. Many believe this act signals the launch of promotional activity for his next film, Dhurandhar, marking his return to cinema after a hiatus since 2023.
Cryptic Instagram Story Fuels Anticipation for Dhurandhar
Ranveer Singh’s Instagram Story included imagery of crossed swords alongside the numbers “12.12,” fueling buzz among his followers. This led to widespread conjecture about a possible teaser or first look release related to Dhurandhar, a spy thriller helmed by director Aditya Dhar, who is married to actress Yami Gautam. Industry reports indicate that Aditya Dhar plans to reveal the first look of Dhurandhar around Ranveer’s birthday on July 6, 2025. This pre-birthday social media activity appears to confirm the timing of the official announcement.
Ranveer has remained away from the screen since 2023, adding to the curiosity and excitement as fans await his next major project. Dhurandhar is expected to be a high-octane thriller, and the hints shared through Ranveer’s social media activity suggest a well-planned promotional strategy.
Online Reactions Label Ramveer Singh’s Instagram Purge as a PR Strategy
The sudden erasure of all posts sparked mixed reactions online, with many netizens interpreting this as a deliberate publicity strategy rather than a personal decision. Social media users assessed that this tactic serves to build suspense and generate hype ahead of Dhurandhar’s teaser release. One user remarked,
“It’s just a promotional thing for his new movie. His new movie teaser will be released tomorrow at 12.12. He has done this before as well, and it has been posted multiple times. Don’t worry, 12-12 Dhurandhar?”
—Social media user
Some comments reflected on Ranveer’s current public visibility, with one remarking on his sudden quietness compared to previous overexposure:
“Bechara reach badha rha hai. Phele haar jagah dikh jaata tha aaj kal ekdum shaant hai apni biwi se bhi zyada shaant.”
—Social media user
Others pointed to the logistical effort behind archiving posts, speculating on the complexity of managing such a large clean-up:
“Ranbir ka kuch release hua hai toh ranveer bhi krrega aab Wow so much work to archive all and unarchive again or is there a one button solution?”
—Social media user
Criticism and Calls for Ranveer Singh’s Career Reinvention
Among the more critical opinions, some users have suggested that this move reflects a strategic attempt to revive Ranveer Singh’s waning appeal in the film industry. A notable comment highlighted concerns about his recent career trajectory and public image management:
“Maybe, this is the whole PR resurrection of him. He has been in a debacle of late, and he must do something, try each corner to re-launch himself, re-invent himself. Masses aren’t rooting for him anymore; they’re not interested in him. He overexposed himself immensely. I don’t have any issues with his fashion sartorial choices, but the thing is he is an actor first & then a fashion icon, if considered. When you’re too quirky, too unconventional, then all the focus gets shifted.”
—Social media user
This critique underscores the tension between Ranveer’s flamboyant public persona and the expectations tied to his acting career, suggesting that fans and critics alike expect a renewed focus on his craft as an actor.
Details Emerge About Dhurandhar and Its Star Cast
More information about Dhurandhar has surfaced ahead of the official reveal. According to a Bollywood Hungama report, the film’s makers have planned the first look launch to coincide with Ranveer’s birthday celebrations on July 6. A source close to the production shared that while Ranveer is excited about the project, he has yet to view the final edit, leaving the birthday event charged with additional suspense and significance.
Dhurandhar is set against the backdrop of a politically charged India and will explore the apex period of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). The movie boasts an ensemble cast featuring distinguished actors including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Yami Gautam, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal, alongside Ranveer Singh himself. This high-profile lineup and the espionage theme suggest Dhurandhar aims to be a gripping and impactful cinematic venture.
Industry and Fan Expectations for Ranveer Singh’s Comeback
The anticipation surrounding Dhurandhar is heightened by Ranveer Singh’s absence from films since 2023 and the buildup crafted through his recent social media moves. The calculated deletion of his Instagram posts and the cryptic story have generated considerable buzz that may translate into strong initial viewer interest when Dhurandhar’s promotional content is unveiled.
Fans and industry insiders are watching closely, expecting that this strategically timed reveal could mark a pivotal moment in Ranveer’s career, blending his characteristic intensity with a more focused cinematic return. As Dhurandhar’s promotion begins, it will be telling how audiences and critics receive this project and whether it rejuvenates his standing in Bollywood’s competitive landscape.
