A recent clip from a popular Directors Roundtable discussion is creating a buzz online, highlighting a moment of candid appreciation amidst critical disagreement. The video features filmmaker Mohit Suri openly praising the espionage thriller 'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar. The interesting twist is that the roundtable was hosted by noted film critic Anupama Chopra, who had previously published a scathing review of the very same film.
The Viral Roundtable Moment
During the discussion, Mohit Suri did not hold back his admiration for the Ranveer Singh-starrer. "I saw 'Dhurandhar' last week. I enjoyed it. I really did. I think it's out there. It's great; I enjoyed it," Suri stated. This direct endorsement in front of the host, whose own opinion was starkly different, became the core of the clip that quickly spread across social media platforms and forums like Reddit.
The film, which was released in theaters on December 5, 2025, features a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun. Suri's comments have drawn attention for their timing and forthrightness.
Netizens React to Suri's Candor
The viral video prompted a flood of reactions from internet users, many applauding Mohit Suri's genuine nature. One social media user commented on his earnestness, saying, "Mohit Suri is a genuine guy, he is always so earnest in his interviews." Another strongly agreed with his assessment, declaring, "He is bang on correct. Dhurandhar is the best film of the year! Hands down… nothing matches it."
Others appreciated the subtlety of the moment, with one user noting, "Hehe... Mohit knew what he was doing... Love it." However, the discussion also led to a debate about the timeline. Some argued that the Roundtable was filmed before Anupama Chopra released her review video. Countering this, others pointed out that Suri mentioned having watched the film "last week," indicating the movie was already publicly released when the conversation took place.
Context: The Critic's Review and Backlash
The backdrop to this viral moment is Anupama Chopra's now-removed review of 'Dhurandhar'. In her critique, she described the film as an "exhausting, relentless, and frenzied espionage thriller propelled by charismatic, murderous men, too much testosterone, shrill nationalism, and inflammatory anti-Pakistan narratives." This review faced significant backlash from sections of the audience and the public, leading to its eventual removal from her platform.
The juxtaposition of Suri's fresh praise against the critic's already-publicized (and controversial) panning adds a layer of dramatic tension to the roundtable clip, making it a talking point beyond just the film's content.
This incident underscores the subjective nature of film criticism and the power of a filmmaker's public endorsement. While critics provide one perspective, the applause from within the industry, as demonstrated by Mohit Suri's comments, often resonates strongly with both audiences and peers, fueling further discussion about the film's merit and reception.