Ram Gopal Varma's Cinematic Wake-Up Call After Dhurandhar 2
As Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues to dominate the box office and captivate audiences nationwide, acclaimed filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has issued a powerful statement on the current state of Indian cinema. The director, known for iconic films like Company and Sarkar, revealed that watching Dhurandhar 2 has inspired him to completely reinvent his approach to filmmaking.
RGV's Bold Declaration on Industry Evolution
In a detailed social media post, Varma urged the industry to let go of outdated cinematic beliefs, warning that clinging to old ideas could be damaging. He admitted that Dhurandhar: The Revenge has significantly raised his standards, making his earlier works feel obsolete. Varma compared the film to his previous influences, stating that what once defined his craft now appears outdated.
The Inspiration Behind SYNDICATE
Varma elaborated on his upcoming project SYNDICATE, explaining its premise: "What if the entire law and order of INDIA collapses in just one single day?" He described it as akin to a horror film, not due to supernatural elements, but because it exposes the terrifying horrors within human minds. According to Varma, SYNDICATE will depict the rise of an organization so powerful and maniacally driven that it threatens India's very existence.
He emphasized that this project is designed to match the post-Dhurandhar 2 era, leading to his decision to wipe out his past and be reborn as a director. Varma shared personal anecdotes about his evolving aspirations, from wanting to be an auto-rickshaw driver at age 10 to becoming a filmmaker, highlighting how new experiences continually reshape our benchmarks.
Benchmark Films and New Standards
Varma listed his previous benchmark films:
- The Sound of Music (inspired Rangeela)
- Exorcist (inspired Raat and Bhoot)
- Godfather (inspired Satya, Company, Sarkar)
He confessed that after watching Dhurandhar 2, all his earlier films seem insignificant. Varma declared, "If Godfather was my earlier benchmark in this genre, I now felt Dhurandhar 2 is like Godfather’s GODFATHER." He praised the film for redefining and reinventing every aspect, including craft, storytelling style, character design, background music, emotional landscapes, performances, and action choreography.
Urgent Call to Action for Filmmakers
Varma did not hold back in addressing the industry, making it clear that filmmakers must evolve or risk irrelevance. He stated, "It’s common sense that I need to abandon the lessons learnt from the old schools of Coppola and join the new school of Aditya Dhar." He warned that failing to shed egos and conduct an intensive academic study of Dhurandhar 2 would be a suicidal blunder.
In strong terms, Varma added, "By not doing so, and if you all will still stick to the same old cinematic beliefs, which were brutally killed on March 19th, 2026, YOU TOO WILL DIE." This stark message underscores his belief that the industry must adapt drastically to survive.
Box Office Triumph of Dhurandhar: The Revenge
Dhurandhar: The Revenge has also made significant waves at the box office. Despite a dip during weekdays, the film's overall performance remains robust. Within just seven days, it has approached the Rs 1000 crore mark worldwide, showcasing its massive appeal and commercial success.
The film has garnered praise from notable figures like Vicky Kaushal, Kangana Ranaut, and Vivek Oberoi at the International Film Festival Delhi 2026, further cementing its impact on the entertainment landscape.
