Ram Gopal Varma has lauded Aditya Dhar's "Dhurandhar," calling it a "quantum leap" in Indian cinema and a "game changer" that the industry cannot ignore. Varma's praise comes as the film continues its successful run, having grossed over ₹612.22 crore in India within 21 days. Some reports claim the movie has entered the ₹1000 crore club.
Varma expressed his views on social media, stating that the film industry might feel threatened by "Dhurandhar" due to their inability to match its standards. He believes that established filmmakers, particularly those making pan-India films, may feel intimidated by the film's innovative approach, as their projects rely on outdated formulas. He described "Dhurandhar" as a "scary dog" that will haunt filmmakers unable to replicate its brilliance.
"Dhurandhar," directed by Aditya Dhar, is an espionage thriller set in Karachi's Lyari town. The film features a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. The film follows an Indian spy, played by Ranveer Singh, who infiltrates the world of gangsters and terrorists in Pakistan to stop acts of terrorism against India. The film also critically examines the government's failure to ensure national safety, drawing inspiration from real events like the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Varma has criticized the current trend of pan-Indian movies that rely on formulaic plots, heavy VFX, and star worship. He argues that these films lack the originality displayed by "Dhurandhar". Varma stated that the film's success is not solely due to its element of patriotism, but because Aditya Dhar created an unprecedented cinematic experience.
Varma shared what he has learned from "Dhurandhar" as a filmmaker, writing that the film demonstrates that uneven and fractured narratives can still command attention. He added that "Dhurandhar" proves that scale can coexist with restraint to create a symphony of previously unfelt emotions.
"Dhurandhar's" success lies in its story and craft, rather than relying on star power, VFX, or item songs. Varma has likened the film to a "large, scary dog" that everyone notices, even if they try to ignore it. He suggests that the film will be a "horror film" for those still stuck to the "hero worship template". A sequel, "Dhurandhar 2," is slated for release on March 19, 2026.
