Actor Varun Dhawan has ignited a storm on social media after his recent comments about the success of the spy action thriller 'Dhurandhar' were perceived as undermining Ranveer Singh's role. During a discussion with his father, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, Varun suggested that the film's triumph was more attributable to director Aditya Dhar than to its lead actor. The remarks quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions from Ranveer's fanbase.
Varun Dhawan calls 'Dhurandhar' a director's victory
According to News18, the conversation began when David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan were reflecting on how filmmaking and audience responses have evolved over the years. David Dhawan commented on the current industry climate, saying, “I think anyone who has a pen and a phone feels they are a journalist. It has become very difficult. I can’t figure out which film became a hit and which one didn’t. It’s very difficult to gauge collections. But again, it’s run by the actors. Pehle bhi tha, abhi bhi hai.”
Reacting to his father's observation, Varun questioned whether actors alone drive a film's success today. Using 'Dhurandhar' as an example, he highlighted Aditya Dhar's filmmaking as the key factor behind the film's reception. “Why do you feel that? Today, when you see 'Dhurandhar', you see someone like Aditya Dhar and the way he made the film. Toh woh toh director ki jeet thi na?” Varun said.
David Dhawan partly agreed with his son, replying, “He is one of a kind. Yes, that was a director’s win, but otherwise, if you see, actors ka zyada haath hota hai.” The senior filmmaker also jokingly added that actors often prioritise their own interests first.
Social Media users come out in support of Ranveer Singh
Shortly after the interview clip surfaced online, fans of Ranveer Singh began reacting strongly to Varun Dhawan's comments. Several users argued that 'Dhurandhar' became successful because of both Aditya Dhar's direction and Ranveer's performance. One Reddit user wrote, “He could be right he could be wrong that’s not the case but a former contemporary saying this, the narrative building to discredit ranveer entirely is way too obvious.”
Another social media user commented, “Any movie is a team effort. Just having a good director doesn’t make a film work either. You need a strong cast that can bring the story alive. That’s what 'Dhurandhar' did.” A third user stated, “It’s so evident that Varun is jealous of Ranveer. He cannot even pull off half of what Ranveer achieved with 'Dhurandhar'.”
Another reaction read, “Had it been a flop it would be Ranveer’s flop.” One fan strongly defended the actor and wrote, “Ranveer was the best thing in the entire movie(s). He was consistently fantastic and brilliant, I won’t hear anything otherwise.”
What's going on with Varun Dhawan's 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'?
The trailer of David Dhawan's upcoming comedy 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' has sparked massive discussion online. The comedy entertainer stars Varun alongside Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in lead roles and carries the signature loud comic style associated with David Dhawan films. Apart from the lead cast, the film also features Maniesh Paul, Chunky Pandey and Jimmy Sheirgill in important roles.
Meanwhile, the movie has also found itself in legal trouble. Producer Vashu Bhagnani, who backed 'Biwi No. 1', has reportedly filed a lawsuit alleging unauthorised usage of elements connected to his earlier films and songs. Despite the controversy, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on June 4.
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