Here’s a bold statement for you: Dhurandhar isn’t just a film—it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s redefining Bollywood’s playbook. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just the story or the scale, but the way it’s been crafted to resonate with today’s audience. After six weeks of dominating the box office, the film has raked in a staggering Rs 869.80 crore domestically, solidifying its place as the highest-grossing Hindi film ever. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Dhurandhar’s success a one-off miracle, or has director Aditya Dhar unlocked the secret to modern storytelling? Let’s dive in.
During the promotion of his upcoming reality show Bharat Ke Super Founders, Suniel Shetty sat down with NDTV to share his thoughts on Dhurandhar. He didn’t hold back, calling it “an insane film” and praising its ambition, scale, and performances. Shetty believes Dhar has cracked the code of contemporary cinema by embracing long-form storytelling—a direct nod to the OTT-shaped viewing habits of today’s audience. “Aditya Dhar is beyond the end-all of cinema when it comes to writing, direction, and belief,” Shetty remarked. But is this approach sustainable, or just a passing trend? That’s a question worth debating.
Shetty also used the moment to address a larger issue in the film industry: the lack of constructive criticism and peer support. While he stressed the importance of honest feedback, he argued that tearing down films for the sake of it helps no one. “We need to critically appreciate cinema,” he said. “Acknowledge what’s good, what could be better, and stop just ripping things apart. We need to encourage each other.” Bold words, but are they enough to shift the industry’s mindset? Let us know in the comments.
When it came to performances, Shetty was all praise, particularly for Akshaye Khanna and Ranveer Singh. About Akshaye, he said, “He’s ten on ten—a fantastic actor.” But it was Ranveer Singh who truly stole the show. “Ranveer is 100 out of 10. It’s Ranveer all the way,” Shetty declared. What’s fascinating is Shetty’s observation about restraint in Ranveer’s performance. While Akshaye had a lot to showcase on screen, Ranveer’s challenge was in holding back—a subtlety that’s often overlooked in blockbuster cinema. “Showing jingoism as a hero is easy,” Shetty noted. “But sitting back, yearning for your motherland, and wanting to do something—that’s tough.”
Shetty even went as far as to envision Ranveer’s future in the franchise. “I can only imagine him in Dhurandhar 2. Legendary. Hats off to the kid. Phenomenal,” he said. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can Ranveer’s performance in Dhurandhar set a new standard for leading roles in Bollywood, or is it a once-in-a-lifetime achievement?
Shifting gears, Suniel Shetty is stepping into a new role himself—not as an action hero, but as a host and mentor on Bharat Ke Super Founders. This entrepreneurial reality series pairs seasoned business tycoons with founders, focusing on clarity, discipline, and long-term vision. With Shetty guiding participants through grit and resilience, the show premieres on Amazon MX Player on January 16. It’s yet another chapter in Shetty’s evolving journey, both on and off screen.
So, here’s the big question: Is Dhurandhar a game-changer for Bollywood, or just a lucky strike? And can Suniel Shetty’s new venture inspire a similar wave of innovation in the business world? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts below!
