In a significant show of solidarity within the Hindi film industry, celebrated filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has publicly praised his contemporary, Aditya Dhar, for his latest directorial venture, the gangster action film Dhurandhar. The public exchange, which took place on social media platform X on Saturday, December 20, 2025, has sparked considerable conversation about storytelling and masculinity in modern Indian cinema.
Vanga's Laudatory Post for Dhurandhar
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his bold and often debated films like Kabir Singh and Animal, took to X to share his detailed review of Dhurandhar. He commended the film's core character, describing it as being built like a man who doesn't talk much but carries a 'masculine spine'. Vanga emphasized that the title was apt because the narrative moves with dominance and ferocity, presented with clear depiction and zero chaos.
He didn't stop there. Vanga extended his praise to the technical and performance aspects of the film. He stated that the music, performances, screenplay, and direction were all top-notch. Specifically, he highlighted the work of lead actors Akshaye Khanna and Ranveer Singh, noting how they effortlessly disappeared into their characters. Vanga concluded his post by thanking Aditya Dhar for creating a film that allows the audience to experience the true weight of untold sacrifices.
Aditya Dhar's Heartfelt Response
Aditya Dhar, the director behind the critically acclaimed Uri: The Surgical Strike, was quick and gracious in his response. He expressed that praise from a filmmaker like Vanga held great significance for him. Dhar revealed his long-standing admiration for Vanga's fearlessness and his unwavering faith in unapologetic, masculine storytelling.
Dhar explained that Dhurandhar was shaped with sincerity, restraint, and conviction, and Vanga's words served as a quiet validation for that creative journey. More importantly, Dhar framed their relationship as a fraternal bond within the industry, stating they were 'two filmmakers, different paths, yet walking as brothers'. He expressed a shared vision of moving toward a stronger cinema and a braver tomorrow for the country, asserting that cinema remembers the brave, not the agreeable.
Celebrity Reactions and Broader Context
This public mutual admiration is not an isolated incident for Dhurandhar. The film has been receiving acclaim from various quarters of the film fraternity since its release. Prior to Vanga's comments, veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma had also heaped praise on the gangster actioner.
Other celebrities who have publicly lauded the film include Vicky Kaushal, Allu Arjun, Shraddha Kapoor, and Karan Johar. In a notable review, superstar Hrithik Roshan shared his thoughts on Instagram, acknowledging that while he may disagree with the film's politics and debate a filmmaker's responsibilities, he could not ignore its power as a piece of cinema. He described himself as having 'loved and learnt' from the film as a student of the craft.
The exchange between Vanga and Dhar underscores a growing narrative in Bollywood where filmmakers with distinct voices publicly support each other's work, fostering a dialogue about diverse storytelling styles and the evolving definition of strength and masculinity on the Indian screen.
