Ram Gopal Varma hails Dhurandhar as a ‘quantum leap in Indian cinema,’ Aditya Dhar responds: ‘Finally feels seen’

“Characters walk in carrying history on their shoulders, and the film trusts the audience enough to read their scars rather than spoon-feed their backstories. This confidence, which could be easily mistaken for arrogance, is precisely what marks Dhurandhar as a turning point for Indian cinema. Dhar assumes that the audience are intelligent, which is the highest respect a director can pay to an audience, whereas most filmmakers believe in dumbing down their films.” Beyond the narrative, RGV praised the film’s craft, including its sound design, cinematography, and action choreography. Yet, he emphasized that what truly elevates the film is its intent: “This is not a film chasing trends or validation. It is a solemn declaration that Indian cinema doesn’t need to dilute itself to become successful and doesn’t need to mindlessly copy Hollywood. Dhar proved that it can be rooted and still be internationally cinematic.”

DHURANDHAR is not a film , it is a QUANTUM LEAP in INDIAN CINEMA

I believe that @AdityaDharFilms has completely and single handedly changed the future of Indian cinema , be it north or south ..That’s because Duradhar is not just a film.. it is a quantum leap

What Dhurandhar…

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) December 19, 2025

Aditya Dhar responded warmly to RGV’s praise, sharing a heartfelt note about his journey and admiration for the filmmaker: “Sir, if this tweet were a film, I would have gone to watch it first day, first show, stood in the last row, and come out changed. I came to Mumbai years ago carrying one suitcase, one dream, and an unreasonable belief that I would one day work under Ram Gopal Verma. That never happened. But somewhere along the way, without knowing it, I worked inside your cinema. Your films didn’t teach me how to make movies ,they taught me how to think dangerously.”

He added that receiving such praise from RGV sets a new benchmark for him: “To have you say that Dhurandhar is a quantum leap feels surreal, emotional, and honestly a little unfair… because now whatever I do next has to live up to this tweet. If I’ve assumed the audience is intelligent, it’s because you taught an entire generation that cinema should never apologize for its ambition. Thank you for this generosity, this madness, and this validation. The fan in me is overwhelmed. The filmmaker in me feels challenged. And the boy who came to Mumbai to work under RGV… finally feels seen.”

Sir… 🙏
If this tweet were a film, I would have gone to watch it first day first show, stood in the last row, and come out changed.
I came to Mumbai years ago carrying one suitcase, one dream, and an unreasonable belief that I would one day work under Ram Gopal Verma. That never…

— Aditya Dhar (@AdityaDharFilms) December 19, 2025

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RGV quickly replied to congratulate Aditya Dhar once more, noting his admiration for Dhurandhar: “I liked Dhurandhar because it reminded me of nothing I have done. It impressed me because it didn’t ask anyone for either permission or validation. If the boy who came to Mumbai became a man in Uri, he’s now become a superman with Dhurandhar. Keep soaring.”

In the days following its release, several celebrities, including Vicky Kaushal, Allu Arjun, Shraddha Kapoor, and Karan Johar, have publicly lauded the film. Hrithik Roshan also shared his thoughts, acknowledging his ideological differences while appreciating the film’s cinematic value: “I may disagree with the politics of it, and argue about the responsibilities us filmmakers should bear as citizens of the world. Nevertheless, can’t ignore how loved and learnt from this one as a student of cinema. Amazing.”