Actor John Abraham hands over direction to Bhav Dhulia, promises a desi action-packed revival after buying back rights from Vipul Shah
Pic Credit of John Abraham @DabbooRatnani
In a monumental development for the Indian action genre, John Abraham is set to revive his much-loved ‘Force’ franchise. Reports suggest that the actor-producer bought back the franchise rights from Vipul Shah and has quietly been developing the third installment over the last two years. In a move that signals a fresh creative direction, Abraham has officially brought acclaimed director Bhav Dhulia, known for his work in the web series space, on board to helm ‘Force 3.’ Seven years after Force 2, John Abraham has chosen to revive the franchise, reaffirming his strong belief in the character of ACP Yashvardhan Singh. Taking the reins himself this time, he promises a film that retains the gritty, hard-hitting desi action essence of the original.
A Strategic Reboot: Reacquiring the Rights
The journey of ‘Force 3’ is as compelling as its premise. The original film, directed by Nishikant Kamat in 2011, was an unexpected sleeper hit that redefined action in Bollywood. John Abraham’s portrayal of a stoic, no-nonsense cop resonated with audiences, paving the way for a successful sequel in 2016. However, with the franchise rights still under the control of the original producer, further installments remained uncertain.
He spent the last two years quietly working on the project, and in a strategic move, he successfully bought back the franchise rights from Vipul Shah. This acquisition gives him complete creative control to reimagine the series and take it in a new direction. It also demonstrates his growing ambition as a producer, keen to build his own cinematic universe centred around his most powerful on-screen characters.
Bhav Dhulia’s Vision for a ‘Desi’ ‘Force’
The biggest news surrounding the reboot is the appointment of Bhav Dhulia as the director. Known for his stellar work in the OTT space, particularly the critically acclaimed crime series ‘Khakee: The Bihar Story’ and ‘The Freelancer,’ Dhulia brings a unique and gritty perspective to the project. His expertise in crafting realistic action and intense, character-driven narratives is a perfect fit for a film that aims to stay grounded while delivering high-octane sequences.
Sources suggest that Dhulia’s vision will be a far cry from the stylized, larger-than-life action often seen in mainstream films. Instead, he will focus on a more authentic and hard-hitting approach, a style that made the original ‘Force’ a standout. The collaboration between Abraham’s commitment to performing his own stunts and Dhulia’s ability to create a compelling visual narrative promises to be a game-changer for the franchise.
While the director and the lead are confirmed, the makers are currently on a frantic search for the film’s antagonist. At the heart of the original Force was the gripping showdown between John Abraham’s ACP Yashvardhan and Vidyut Jammwal’s ruthless antagonist. The creators are keen to recreate that iconic rivalry, aiming to cast a powerful name to play the negative lead.
The film is in the final stages of pre-production, with the team planning to take it on floors towards the end of 2025. The makers have not yet revealed any plot details, but the buzz surrounding the project is already at an all-time high.
Packed Slate of John Abraham
The news of ‘Force 3’ comes at a time when John Abraham’s schedule is busier than ever. The actor is currently busy with the shooting of a biopic on the life of former Mumbai Police Commissioner, Rakesh Maria, a project helmed by Rohit Shetty. This film is expected to hit the big screens in the first half of 2026. Following this, he will dive headfirst into the production of ‘Force 3,’ which is slated for a release in the second half of 2026.
With a series of promising films in the pipeline, John Abraham is cementing his position not only as a leading action star but also as a powerful creative force in his own right.
