In a heartwarming display of mentorship and pride, celebrated filmmaker Priyadarshan has publicly applauded the monumental success of the espionage thriller 'Dhurandhar' and its director, Aditya Dhar. Taking to social media, the veteran director shared a special connection to the film, joining a growing chorus of celebrities who have praised the blockbuster.
A Mentor's Pride on Social Media
Priyadarshan turned to his Instagram account to post a nostalgic picture from the sets, featuring himself alongside a younger Aditya Dhar. He accompanied the image with a caption that resonated with genuine happiness for his protege's achievements. "There is no greater happiness than watching my disciple rise with such remarkable success," Priyadarshan wrote. He extended his congratulations for 'Dhurandhar' and offered heartfelt best wishes for the already-announced sequel, 'Dhurandhar 2'.
The post highlighted a little-known fact for many: Aditya Dhar, the director behind the cinematic juggernaut, is a former student of Priyadarshan. In his formative years in the film industry, Dhar also worked as an assistant to the acclaimed director, learning the craft under his guidance.
An Emotional Tribute from the Disciple
Deeply moved by the recognition, Aditya Dhar responded with an emotional and lengthy comment, laying bare the profound impact Priyadarshan had on his career and life. "My dearest Priyan Sir, this means more to me than I can ever put into words!!" Dhar began.
He credited Priyadarshan for believing in him when he was an unknown entity with nothing but conviction and a few script pages. Dhar emphasized that his mentor treated him as an equal and provided something invaluable: dignity, trust, and love. He contrasted this positive influence, stating, "In an industry where I often learnt what not to do, you taught me exactly what to do, not just as a filmmaker, but as a human being."
Dhar traced his journey back to writing dialogues for Priyadarshan's films 'Aakrosh' and 'Tezz', acknowledging that every step he has taken carries his mentor's imprint. He concluded by declaring himself forever a student first and dedicating a share of the success to Priyadarshan.
'Dhurandhar's' Record-Breaking Box Office Run
The mutual admiration comes on the back of staggering commercial success. The film 'Dhurandhar' has stormed past the Rs 1200 crore mark in worldwide box office collections and is now steadily approaching the Rs 1300 crore milestone. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the movie has earned over Rs 790 crore in the Indian market alone.
Released on December 5, 2025, the film's popularity has set the stage for its sequel. 'Dhurandhar 2' is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026, promising to continue the high-octane spy narrative that has captivated audiences globally.
This public exchange between a revered director and his triumphant disciple underscores the lasting bonds of mentorship in Bollywood, proving that behind many blockbusters are stories of guidance, belief, and shared success.
