'Dhurandhar 2': Who Was Rasputin? Aditya Dhar's 'Ra-Ra Rasputin' Reference In The Climax Explained

Aditya Dhar has become an overnight sensation with his genius direction in the Dhurandhar franchise. His mind-boggling sequences, chapter-wise breakdown, historic references, and power-packed symbolism have proved his mettle as an ingenious storyteller. His blend of timeless disco-themed songs and blood-curdling action sequences has earned him praise worldwide, thanks to the now-iconic Ramba Ho and Hawa Hawa moments on Dhurandhar (2025). Things got even more intense in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, when timeless tracks like Aari Aari, Tamma Tamma, and Didi stole the show. 

However, none compared to what Dhar held in store for viewers in the final chapter's climax, when Boney M’s iconic ’70s hit Rasputin blared in the background, and the theatres erupted in cheers. But who was Rasputin, and why do critics believe Dhar’s brilliance peaks in this moment? The answer lies in the dark legacy of the infamous Russian royal adviser. [Spoiler alert!]

The final chapter's climax that changed everything

In the final part, titled Chapter 6: The Revenge, 'IB chief Ajay Sanyal' (R. Madhavan) nearly brings 'Lt. General Shamshad Hassan' (Raj Zutshi) to his knees with a video exposing his covert deal with Israel, after the latter refuses to let 'Hamza' (Ranveer Singh) go. Just as Shamshad’s authority begins to crumble, Boney M’s iconic track Rasputin kicks in, and the speakers blare the chorus, "Ra-Ra Rasputin, lover of the Russian queen / There was a cat that really was gone…"

The moment resulted in a theatre-wide eruption of cheers and whistles, as Dhar's impeccable timing perfectly synced the tension-meets-irony moment. However, many who are not familiar with the Rasputin reference were confused about what this symbol actually meant. Let's decode. 

Who was Gregory Rasputin, the infamous "Mad Monk"?

Grigori Rasputin was one of the most controversial figures to have ever existed in the history of Russia. Born Grigori Yefimovich Novykh in 1869 in a small peasant village in Siberia, he later acquired the surname 'Rasputin' (Russian translation: 'debauched one') for his heavy drinking and promiscuity. He had a humble beginning with little formal education. With time, he chose the path of mysticism and eventually became a powerful advisor to the Romanov royal family. A self-proclaimed holy man, Rasputin became a powerful asset to Russia's royals after he seemingly helped save Czar Nicholas and his wife, Alexandra's ill son, Alexei.

With time, Rasputin rose to influence as a trusted advisor within Russia's royal court during the early 20th century, despite lacking any official authority. His significant sway over Tsarina Alexandra and frequent intervention in matters of governance alarmed the Russian elite, who viewed him as manipulative and dangerous. He had the deepest intel into royal administration, so much so that people started to believe he sold his soul to bring the Romanov dynasty to dust.

Eventually, the fears over his growing power culminated in a conspiracy to eliminate him. During World War I, Rasputin was accused of being a German agent, though it was later confirmed by historians that it was all part of a propaganda campaign to end him. On the night of December 29-30, 1916, a group of conspirators, led by Prince Felix Yusupov, along with Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich and others, killed Rasputin. Even in his death, he was labelled unkillable, since he survived a deadly poison (cyanide-laced cakes and wine) and multiple gunshot wounds before finally dying.

What's the Rasputin connection in Dhurandhar 2?

This is ultimately where Aditya Dhar's brilliance shines. The Rasputin reference, though subtle, adds just the perfect amount of seasoning to cook the climax scene into a cinematic masterpiece. The "unkillable" monk's mythical reference mirrors Shamsad Hassan's arc almost perfectly. Being the ISI Chief, Shamshad appears extremely powerful and untouchable as he continues operating in top-secret missions behind the scenes and influences the country's critical decisions. His whole authority is founded on utmost secrecy and control.

Ultimately, one small revelation brings his world crashing down. By sharing the video of a moment that no one was ever supposed to see, Sanyal brings Shamsad's dominance to the ground, and he loses his composure as he orders that 'Hamza' be freed immediately, without ever letting his true identity be known to the world. With the lyrics of Rasputin playing in the background, it becomes the perfect metaphor for his fall.

Aditya Dhar's signature move, where history meets high-octane cinema

This isn't the first time that Aditya Dhar showcased his brilliance in layered storytelling with legendary historical references. In the first Dhurandhar, he drew parallels between Julius Caesar's assassination at the hands of his most trusted aide, Brutus, and 'Rehman Dakait's (Akshaye Khanna) end at the hands of 'Hamza' (Ranveer Singh), whom he trusted with his life. With both massy climaxes knocking viewers' socks off, Dhar has cemented a global fanbase and a craze that Indian cinema may have never seen before!

And just like that, in that one perfectly timed “Ra-Ra Rasputin” drop, Aditya Dhar has created history. Did you get this Rasputin reference in the first watch? Let us know.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar Defends 26-Yr Age-Gap Romance With Wamiqa Gabbi In 'Bhoot Bangla', Asks 'Toh Kya Hai?'

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