Gulshan Grover Highlights Cinema's Full-Circle Moment as Vintage Trends Resurface
Veteran actor Gulshan Grover, currently promoting his upcoming series Matka King, has expressed his belief that the world of cinema is witnessing a significant full-circle moment. According to Grover, trends, characters, and storytelling styles from the past are making a powerful and undeniable comeback, shaping the contemporary entertainment landscape in profound ways.
Nostalgia Drives Fashion and Film Revival
Speaking about the resurgence of older trends, Grover pointed out that nostalgia is playing a pivotal role in influencing both fashion and films today. "We are wearing bell-bottoms these days — it's all coming back. So many wonderful songs are coming back as remakes. Performances are coming back," he told India Today. This observation underscores a broader cultural shift where audiences are increasingly drawn to familiar elements from bygone eras, creating a blend of old and new in creative expressions.
Anecdote from Industry Dinner with Shatrughan Sinha
The actor shared a recent anecdote from a dinner gathering with industry veterans, including Shatrughan Sinha, Rakesh Roshan, and Shashi Ranjan. "Two days back, Shatrughan Sinha was there, who has played anti-hero, strong, powerful characters, Rakesh Roshan, Shashi Ranjan — we were having dinner. So, I walked in late, and he (Sinha) said, 'I saw Dhurandhar. Gulshan Grover, that was a film in which you should have been there'," Grover recounted.
He further revealed how Sinha even imagined him in a key role within the film. "He (Sinha) even said how wonderful it would have been if I had played Rehman Dakait, Akshaye Khanna's role. So, I said, even I agree with that. The public also agrees," Grover added, highlighting the mutual appreciation for classic character archetypes.
Era Characters and Settings Make a Comeback
Using Dhurandhar as a reference point, Grover emphasized how elements from older cinema are making a notable comeback. "I am giving this reference of how many of those era-looking characters are back. Even some of the settings, the drums, and all that used to be in every movie, are back. It was the time, and it was showing no progress," the actor explained. This resurgence reflects a renewed interest in the stylistic and narrative conventions of past decades, suggesting a cyclical nature in cinematic evolution.
Dhurandhar Franchise Sets New Box Office Benchmark
Directed by Aditya Dhar and fronted by Ranveer Singh, the Dhurandhar franchise has created history at the global box office. The two films, Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, have collectively crossed the Rs 3000 crore mark worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film franchise to date.
The combined global collection now stands at over Rs 3019 crore, surpassing the previous benchmark set by S. S. Rajamouli's Baahubali series, which earned Rs 2438 crore globally. Other major franchises like Pushpa, led by Allu Arjun, and Prashanth Neel's KGF, starring Yash, follow behind with Rs 2221 crore and Rs 1453 crore respectively. The films also feature an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, Danish Pandor, and Gaurav Gera.
With Dhurandhar: The Revenge still running in theatres, the franchise's total is expected to climb further, cementing its position at the top of the Indian box office and demonstrating the enduring appeal of epic storytelling.
