Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has ignited a conversation in the film fraternity by declaring Aditya Dhar's action-packed blockbuster Dhurandhar a monumental shift for mainstream Indian cinema. In a series of detailed posts on social media platform X, Varma positioned the Ranveer Singh-led film not merely as a hit but as a transformative event that challenges industry norms.
Varma's Vision: A Fearless New Chapter for Cinema
RGV, known for his own groundbreaking work in films like Satya, described Dhurandhar as a "quantum leap" that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and technical execution. He asserted that director Aditya Dhar has "single-handedly changed the future" of filmmaking across Indian industries by creating a work that is fearless and uncompromising.
Varma elaborated that the film's power lies in its command over the audience, rather than pleading for attention. He specifically applauded the masterful sound design, innovative camera work, and the raw, impactful portrayal of violence that builds psychological pressure. According to him, Dhurandhar stands out by respecting the audience's intelligence, avoiding spoon-fed backstories and refusing to dilute its core intent for mass appeal.
Emotional Response from a Grateful Aditya Dhar
A visibly moved Aditya Dhar responded to the praise with a heartfelt note, revealing Ram Gopal Varma as one of his biggest cinematic influences. Dhar shared anecdotes of his early struggles in Mumbai, expressing that while he never got the chance to work directly under Varma, his films fundamentally shaped his approach to filmmaking.
"Your films didn't teach me how to make movies — they taught me how to think dangerously," Dhar wrote. He admitted that receiving such high praise from his idol felt surreal and added a new layer of pressure for his next project. Dhar credited Varma for instilling the belief that cinema must be ambitious, unapologetic, and deeply rooted. "The boy who came to Mumbai to work under RGV finally feels seen," he concluded emotionally.
A Box Office Juggernaut with a Stellar Cast
Varma also reserved praise for the performances, led by Ranveer Singh, noting that the characters are crafted not to be simply liked but to "linger long after we leave the theatre." He concluded his analysis by stating that Dhurandhar proves Indian cinema can achieve global appeal without imitating Hollywood templates.
The film, which boasts an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal with pivotal roles by Sara Arjun, Naveen Kaushik, Rakesh Bedi, and Danish Pandor, has been a commercial powerhouse. Released on December 5, the Jio Studios and B62 Studios production, with a runtime of 3 hours and 32 minutes, has raced past the ₹450 crore mark at the Indian box office in just two weeks, as per trade estimates.
