(Image source from: Oneindia.com)
One day after the release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, director Ram Gopal Varma posted a lengthy and passionate message on social media, praising the film and declaring it a significant moment for Indian film. In his remarks, Varma labeled the movie as a "horror" not for viewers but for those in filmmaking who still depend on loud, exaggerated, and predictable cinema. Starting his message, Varma stated, "The @Dhurandhar2 is a NIGHTMARE. It’s a nightmare for all directors who have made their success and wealth from silly, overblown films. Movies that required leaving your brain behind. Films filled with NOISE and OVERLOAD that will soon be on life support, gasping for air." He proceeded to mention that this film would disturb those who keep showcasing larger-than-life, unstoppable heroes. He believes Dhurandhar 2 introduces a different kind of main character - one who has flaws, is vulnerable, and is motivated by actions instead of glorification.
He expressed, "Dhurandar2 will terrify every filmmaker who continues to idolize the perfect hero. In Dhurandhar2, @RanveerOfficial defeated all those heroes who never bleed or feel pain, and then, on the remains of those outdated heroes, he created a genuine hero, flawed, yet dangerous and unpredictable. His heroism comes from what he does, not from being forced on us with loud music. "
By contrasting this new hero with traditional hero-centered films, Varma claimed that older formats would now seem outdated and even silly. He added, "In comparison to this new style of hero, the perfect heroes will suddenly appear foolish, almost like clowns at a circus. And their blind followers will feel vulnerable and anxious when they hear about the box office numbers. " The filmmaker also criticized unrealistic action scenes, saying such movies would find it hard to resonate with audiences after the impact of Dhurandhar 2. Varma stated, "Dhurandhar2 will frighten those who have built their careers on action scenes where physical laws don't apply, and gravity is ignored. The moments where men are tossed fifty feet into the air, bounce off the ground like rubber balls, survive explosions that could destroy cities, and still have heroic lines while brushing off dirt, will be chased away by the new audience. " According to Varma, the film has changed what viewers expect by showing action that feels real, painful, and relatable. He concluded, "Once audiences witness action that actually hurts and bleeds, the flying stunt team will suddenly seem cheap, fake, and embarrassingly silly. Filmmakers who still rely on wires and cranes to falsely elevate their heroes will wake up in fear. "
Varma also criticized directors who prioritize style rather than substance, suggesting that Dhurandhar 2 highlights the significance of having psychologically rich characters. He remarked, "This will make pan-India directors nervous, those who still think characters are made by hairstyles, outfits, edited abs, and fancy clothes rather than real mental depth. "
Highlighting the film's message about the power of intelligence, Varma said, "When the viewers of Dhurandhar2 saw a hero who gains strength from his intellect instead of his muscles, the style of filmmaking that focuses on hair and outfits will seem like child’s play. " Describing the movie as more than just a film, Varma called it a definitive statement on a specific filmmaking style. He noted, "Dhurandhar 2 is not merely a movie; it is a judgment. "
Complimenting director Aditya Dhar's perspective, Varma concluded by stating that the film signifies the end of a time when filmmakers underestimated their audience. He mentioned, "With Dhurandhar 2, @AdityaDharFilms has put an end to that type of cinema which disrespected audience intelligence, which swapped genuine stories for flashy visuals, and which turned heroes into deities and viewers into followers. "
Talking about the film’s earnings, Varma expressed, "The box office results of Dhurandhar2 are currently putting to rest all those previous makers’ beliefs deep in a grave that not even their spirits can escape from. The sounds you're hearing from the box office numbers of Dhurandhar2 are like a collective announcement of their demise. " He finished his statement with a caution for filmmakers currently making similar types of movies. Varma wrote, "If those producers of similar films that are either in production or about to begin filming don't revisit their plans and cleanse themselves by watching Dhurandhar2 several times, even divine intervention won't help their spirits. The issue is, even if they want to do that, they might have plenty of money, but where will they find the cleverness of @AdityaDharFilms? " Dhurandhar 2 premiered in theaters on March 19.


















