The blockbuster success of Dhurandhar is truly remarkable—it's a testament to the power of modern Indian cinema and audience loyalty. But here's where it gets controversial: with its record-breaking earnings and six-week domination, many are asking if this film is simply a passing fad or if it truly signals a new era in filmmaking.
As of now, Dhurandhar continues to break barriers at the box office, fueled by deep-rooted support from Indian viewers who are eager to embrace compelling storytelling. According to Jio Studios, the movie has amassed an impressive Rs 869.80 crore in India alone, cementing its position as the highest-grossing Hindi film in history. This staggering figure highlights just how much audiences are willing to flock to theaters for a film that resonates with them.
Amid this historic run, veteran actor Suniel Shetty recently shared his thoughts on Dhurandhar during the promotion of his upcoming reality show, Bharat Ke Super Founders. Speaking to NDTV, Shetty praised the film as 'an insane film', wholeheartedly appreciating its scale, bold ambitions, and the powerful performances delivered by the cast.
Shetty was especially effusive when describing director Aditya Dhar, calling him a visionary who has redefined what cinema can be for today’s viewers. He believes that Dhurandhar's massive success is largely due to its deep understanding of how people consume content in the age of OTT platforms. Shetty emphasized that Dhar has cracked the code of modern storytelling—embracing the long-form narrative that today’s audiences crave.
According to Shetty, Dhar’s approach was to adapt to the changing landscape rather than resist it. 'He recognized that viewers are now used to binge-watching and immersive stories,' Shetty explained. 'So, instead of shunning this format, he decided to bring it to the big screen—offering four hours of cinematic experience—and audiences lapped it up.'
Beyond cinema, Shetty took this opportunity to reflect on a broader concern within the Indian film industry: the lack of genuine support among peers. He stressed that constructive criticism is vital but warned against tearing down films unnecessarily. ‘We need our industry to foster encouragement rather than negativity,’ he said. He urged colleagues to distinguish between honest critique and destructive comments—pointing out that recognizing what works in a film can encourage creators to refine their craft rather than discourage them.
Turning to performances, Shetty’s praise was unequivocal. He highlighted both Akshaye Khanna and Ranveer Singh for their exceptional work. Speaking about Khanna, he said, "He’s a perfect ten—an incredible actor." But it’s Ranveer Singh who truly captivated Shetty, whom he described as "a perfect hundred out of ten." Shetty’s admiration extended to Ranveer’s restraint—a quality he considers the mark of true acting mastery.
While Akshaye Khanna dazzled with his on-screen presence, Shetty pointed out that Ranveer’s challenge was more nuanced: holding back intensity and conveying restrained patriotism. 'Sitting quietly in another country, yearning to serve your homeland—that’s a difficult role,' Shetty explained. This restraint, he argued, makes Ranveer’s performance stand out far more than overt heroism.
Imagining the future, Shetty expressed excitement about Ranveer’s potential in a sequel. 'I can only see him in Dhurandhar 2—legendary,' he declared. 'He’s phenomenal, and I have no doubt he’ll elevate the franchise even further.'
Looking ahead, Suniel Shetty is set to explore a different dimension of his career. Instead of action-packed roles, he will soon take on the role of host and mentor on Bharat Ke Super Founders, a reality series focused on entrepreneurship. The show assembles experienced business leaders guiding aspiring founders—emphasizing grit, resilience, discipline, and a clear vision for success.
Set to premiere on Amazon MX Player on January 16, this new chapter reflects Shetty’s evolving journey both on and off-screen. As he mentors future entrepreneurs, his presence continues to inspire and exemplify the importance of resilience and support within diverse fields of endeavor. But here's the most thought-provoking question: in a competitive industry rife with criticism, how can more of us foster a culture of encouragement and constructive feedback without losing authenticity? Share your thoughts below.
