The cinematic sensation Dhurandhar continues to dominate conversations, captivating not just moviegoers but also earning profound respect from its peers in the film industry. The latest voice to join the chorus of acclaim is none other than celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar, who has openly expressed how the spy thriller left him feeling both inspired and humbled.
Johar's Candid Admiration at Book Launch
Johar shared his heartfelt views during the launch event for Dining With Stars, a new book by renowned critic Anupama Chopra. Reflecting on the cinematic highlights of the year, Johar revealed that while he started the year admiring the film Saiyaara, he is ending it with a deep love for Dhurandhar.
"I was blown away by Dhurandhar," Johar confessed. "It makes you feel like, 'Oh my craft is limited.' Oh my God, look at the use of background music." He particularly emphasized the film's natural storytelling, noting, "I didn't feel the director was trying to show off his craft. He was just seamlessly telling the story."
A Lesson in Visual Storytelling
Johar went on to dissect director Aditya Dhar's nuanced approach. He praised the film for never becoming visually self-indulgent, despite its rich and expansive cinematography. "I never felt he was going wide just to show a great frame. It was beautifully shot without self-awareness," Johar observed.
This experience, according to Johar, led to a moment of self-reflection. "It made me question my ability as a filmmaker—and that’s always a good thing. I take that in a very positive way," he added. Johar also mentioned being highly impressed by other films this year, including Lokah, which he said he "went mad" watching.
Dhurandhar: The Spy Thriller Conquering Box Offices
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a high-octane spy action thriller. The plot follows Hamza, an Indian intelligence operative played by Ranveer Singh, who goes undercover to infiltrate a dangerous criminal network in Pakistan's Lyari region. The network is led by Rehman Dakait, portrayed by Akshaye Khanna, and Hamza's mission is to uncover its sinister links with the ISI.
The film boasts an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun in pivotal roles.
Despite receiving a spectrum of reviews from critics, the film has achieved a monumental commercial triumph. It has emerged as one of the year's biggest blockbusters, with staggering collections. Dhurandhar has crossed a monumental ₹1,100 crore in worldwide earnings. Its domestic India collection stands impressively at ₹706.40 crore.
This phenomenal performance has cemented its place in Indian cinema history, making it the 7th-highest-grossing Indian film of all time. It now trails behind giants like RRR (₹782.2 crore), KGF: Chapter 2 (₹859.7 crore), Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (₹1,030.42 crore), and Pushpa 2: The Rule (₹1,234.1 crore) in the domestic market.
With such robust box office numbers and powerful endorsements from industry stalwarts like Karan Johar—who had also posted a congratulatory note for Ranveer Singh and the team on Instagram after its release—the excitement for the franchise's future is palpable. The sequel is already in the pipeline and is scheduled for a theatrical release on 19 March 2026.
