Ram Gopal Varma Hails 'Dhurandhar 2' as a Cinematic Game-Changer
Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has lavished praise on director Aditya Dhar for his work on the spy thriller 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge', describing the film as a transformative moment that is redefining the landscape of Indian cinema. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Varma expressed deep admiration for the recently released sequel, which premiered in theaters on March 19, 2026.
A New Benchmark in Scale and Storytelling
Varma emphasized that the film, headlined by Ranveer Singh, transcends conventional definitions of cinema. "I should thank him because he showed a new way of Indian cinema," Varma stated, summarizing his reaction to the sequel. He elaborated that calling 'Dhurandhar 2' just a 'film' feels inadequate, suggesting that nothing of its scale and structural innovation has been seen in the last two to three decades.
"Aditya has transformed that structure, especially the climax. Even the item songs and gravity-defying fight scenes, though unrealistic, he has packaged everything together in a complete, massive way," Varma noted, highlighting the director's unique approach to blending stylized action with narrative ambition.
Commercial Success and Industry Impact
The film has already emerged as a major commercial powerhouse, crossing an impressive Rs 700 crore worldwide since its release. Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, this sequel to the 2023 hit 'Dhurandhar' features a multi-starrer cast including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal.
Varma reflected on the broader implications of this success, suggesting it could fundamentally shift audience expectations and industry standards. "I feel 'Dhurandhar 2' has set a new benchmark. After this, the same old cliches, like hero elevation scenes where punches send people flying, those kinds of films might come to an end," he observed, indicating a potential move away from formula-driven Bollywood storytelling.
Addressing Controversy and Critical Acclaim
Despite some critics labeling the film as propaganda, Varma dismissed this notion as subjective interpretation. "As for propaganda, I don't really understand that term in this context. Everyone has their own viewpoint. Aditya has shared his point of view through the film. If you don't agree, you may call it propaganda, but then you can make your own film in response," he argued, defending the director's creative vision.
Prior to the interview, Varma had already described the sequel as a "cinematic disruptor" on social media, asserting that it signals a decisive shift away from traditional tropes. He specifically criticized invincible heroes, stating the film "killed all those heroes who never bleed and never feel pain."
Widespread Praise from the Film Industry
The film has garnered widespread acclaim from across the entertainment industry. Notable figures such as Alia Bhatt, SS Rajamouli, and Anupam Kher have publicly lauded the project. Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut went further, describing Dhar as a "superstar filmmaker" and drawing parallels with globally renowned directors like Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, and Christopher Nolan.
This collective endorsement underscores the significant impact 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' is having, not only as a commercial success but as a potential catalyst for evolution in Indian cinematic storytelling and production values.
