Vicky Kaushal Applauds Aditya Dhar's Directorial Prowess Amid 'Dhurandhar' Franchise Triumph
In a glowing tribute to his collaborator, actor Vicky Kaushal expressed immense admiration for filmmaker Aditya Dhar, highlighting the widespread acclaim for the spy saga "Dhurandhar" and its sequel "Dhurandhar: The Revenge". Speaking at the red carpet of the inaugural International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) on Wednesday, Kaushal celebrated the director's cinematic achievements as the films continue to dominate the box office with explosive success.
Kaushal's Personal Connection and Praise for the Films
Kaushal, who starred in Dhar's directorial debut "Uri: The Surgical Strike" in 2019, shared his enthusiasm for the "Dhurandhar" series. He revealed that while he thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, he has yet to watch the sequel, which released on March 19 and has already amassed an impressive over Rs 900 crore in box office earnings. "I'm just very happy to see how 'Dhurandhar' is working. I loved the first part, I'm yet to watch the second part," Kaushal stated, adding his eagerness to catch up on the film upon returning to Mumbai.
He further emphasized Dhar's talent, noting, "But Aditya is a great filmmaker, he's got a great cast together and I'm so happy that everyone is loving the film so much." This endorsement underscores the strong professional bond between the actor and director, rooted in their previous blockbuster collaboration.
Overview of the 'Dhurandhar' Spy Thriller Franchise
The "Dhurandhar" franchise has captivated audiences with its high-stakes narrative and stellar performances. The first film, released in December 2025, is a spy action thriller that follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent portrayed by Ranveer Singh. The plot involves his infiltration of Karachi's criminal syndicates and political power structures in Pakistan, aiming to dismantle a terror network targeting India. This installment achieved remarkable commercial success, earning over Rs 1300 crore worldwide.
The sequel, "Dhurandhar: The Revenge", delves deeper into the character's journey, charting the rise of Singh's Hamza Ali Mazari in the Karachi underworld while exploring his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi. This backstory traces the transformation of a young man into a covert operative, adding layers to the franchise's intrigue. The ensemble cast includes notable actors such as Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, contributing to the films' critical and popular appeal.
International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 Highlights
The International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 serves as a premier cultural event, showcasing 140 films from 47 countries across multiple venues in the national capital. The festival commenced with a grand red carpet ceremony and a gala screening of the Oscar-nominated film "Sirat" at Bharat Mandapam, setting a prestigious tone for the proceedings.
Organized by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Delhi government, the film gala aims to promote global cinema and foster artistic exchange. This platform not only highlights international works but also celebrates domestic achievements, as evidenced by Kaushal's remarks on the "Dhurandhar" franchise's success.
The festival's diverse lineup and high-profile attendees underscore its significance in the entertainment industry, providing a space for filmmakers and actors to connect and share insights. As the event unfolds, it continues to draw attention to the dynamic narratives shaping contemporary cinema, much like the spy saga that has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide.
