In the midst of Hindi cinema's ongoing debate over big budgets, narrative truth, and ethical ambiguity, director Aditya Dhar's upcoming film Dhurandhar emerges as a significant entry. The movie, grounded in meticulous research and real-life details, deliberately ventures into morally grey areas, refusing to provide audiences with simple emotional conclusions or quick catharsis. Instead, it compels viewers to engage with themes of brutality, human resilience, and the fragile nature of trust.
A Standout Performance in a Tight Narrative
Among the film's strengths is a notably compelling performance by actor Danish Pandor. In a recent conversation with News18, Pandor opened up about his experience working on the project and, most importantly, his instant connection with co-star Ranveer Singh. The actor revealed that their professional relationship blossomed from the very first day, setting the tone for their on-screen chemistry.
"We began shooting around July last year, and most of my scenes were with Ranveer bhai," Danish recalled. He painted a vivid picture of their initial meeting during the script narration. "I still vividly remember the very first day. He came up to me, hugged me, and said, 'Danish, we’ll kill it.'" For Pandor, this gesture from a superstar of Singh's stature was profoundly impactful, offering immediate warmth and reassurance that made a world of difference to him.
Off-Screen Equation Fuels On-Screen Dynamic
Danish Pandor elaborated on Ranveer Singh's qualities as a co-actor, describing him as someone who naturally makes people feel important and valued. He highlighted Singh's motivating and inspiring presence, coupled with a positive energy that is both contagious and genuine. According to Pandor, Ranveer embodies a rare blend of security and selflessness, being deeply generous in his approach to sharing screen space—a dream scenario for any actor, especially when working with such an experienced artist.
The foundation of their compelling on-screen dynamic, Danish noted, was built on a bedrock of trust and exceptional listening skills from Ranveer. Their scenes thrived on a natural banter and a mutual give-and-take, with both performers remaining completely open to each other's instincts in every take. Despite entering the project with thorough preparation and a determination to impress his senior colleagues, Pandor said Ranveer's ability to foster a relaxed atmosphere made the entire process feel seamless and organic.
Authentic Chemistry and Adrenaline-Fueled Sequences
This off-screen camaraderie translated into a chemistry that unfolds gradually and authentically on camera. Pandor cited the intense valley gunfire sequence, where their characters shoot side-by-side, as a moment of "pure adrenaline." He explained that such high-stakes scenes were instrumental in forging the silent, unspoken "I've got your back" trust between their characters, mirroring their own off-set bond.
Ultimately, Danish Pandor attributes the successful spark to a perfect alignment of various elements: a powerful script, a sharp screenplay, the visionary direction of Aditya Dhar, and a co-star who brings complete openness and emotional confidence to the collaborative process.
The Star-Studded Ensemble of Dhurandhar
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Ranveer Singh leads the film in the role of Hamza Ali Mazari. He is joined by a powerhouse lineup including Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait, Sanjay Dutt as S.P. Choudhary Aslam, R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, and Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal. The cast also features Sara Arjun as Yalina Jamali and Danish Pandor as Uzair Baloch, among others.
By focusing on complex characters and refusing simplistic narratives, Dhurandhar positions itself as a bold cinematic endeavor. It aims to challenge contemporary Bollywood conventions while being anchored by the authentic relationships formed between its cast members, as evidenced by Danish Pandor's heartfelt account of working with Ranveer Singh.
