Dhurandhar 2's Madhavan shares a 'scientific' reason behind why he kept cigarette butt in his pocket instead of throwing it away in the movie
Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a box office hit, with Ranveer Singh and R. Madhavan earning praise. A scene where Madhavan pockets a cigarette butt sparked fan theories about evidence. Read on to know the 'scientific' reason behind it.

Peak detailing by Aditya Dhar, Madhavan shares
The moment in question shows Madhavan’s character calmly placing a cigarette butt into his pocket instead of throwing it away during a conversation with Ranveer Singh’s character, Hamza. Though brief, the scene has become a talking point among fans, many of whom began speculating about its deeper meaning within the narrative.
Soon after the film’s release, social media was flooded with fan theories trying to decode the intent behind the action. Some viewers suggested that the character may have been trying to avoid "leaving behind forensic evidence such as DNA or fingerprints". Others believed it could be linked to identifying smoking habits, arguing that even the cigarette brand could serve as a clue in tracking someone’s identity.
However, Madhavan later addressed the curiosity by sharing a more grounded and “scientific” explanation behind the gesture.
From a scientific perspective, according to National Institute of Health report, cigarette butts are far more harmful than they appear. They are primarily made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that does not decompose easily under natural conditions. Instead of breaking down quickly, these filters can remain in the environment for years, slowly fragmenting into microplastics.
Research has shown that cigarette filters can release toxic substances into soil and water. When exposed to sunlight and environmental conditions, they break into smaller particles that can carry harmful chemicals. These particles can then enter ecosystems, posing risks to animals and even humans through the food chain.
More about Dhurandhar 2
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its strong run at the box office, building on the success of its predecessor. The film also features actors like Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun in key roles. As audiences continue to engage with the film, moments like these prove that sometimes, it’s the smallest details that leave the biggest impression. Stay tuned!The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.