Just weeks after finding himself in the middle of a heated industry debate involving Deepika Padukone and Spirit, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has shifted the spotlight — this time to praise Ranveer Singh’s powerhouse turn in Dhurandhar. And true to Vanga’s trademark voice, the compliment came wrapped in strong, unmistakable words.
Vanga on ‘Dhurandhar’: No Noise, Just Power
Taking to X on Saturday, the Animal director applauded Aditya Dhar’s vision, describing Dhurandhar as a film that speaks through restraint rather than spectacle.
He called the film “built like a man who doesn’t talk much and carries a masculine spine,” adding that it moves with dominance, clarity, and zero chaos. Vanga also praised the film’s music, screenplay, direction, and performances, saying everything sits “on the top.”
What stood out most, however, was his appreciation for Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, stating that both actors “disappeared into their characters effortlessly,” making the sacrifices depicted in the film feel real and earned.
Aditya Dhar’s Thoughtful Response
Director Aditya Dhar responded with equal warmth, thanking Vanga for the endorsement and calling it deeply meaningful. Dhar acknowledged Vanga’s fearless commitment to unapologetic storytelling and said Dhurandhar was shaped with sincerity, restraint, and conviction.
In a note that quickly caught attention online, Dhar spoke about different filmmaking paths leading to the same goal — stronger, braver cinema — adding that cinema remembers the brave, not the agreeable.
The Deepika Padukone–Vanga Controversy
Earlier this year, Vanga made headlines after Deepika Padukone exited Spirit, reportedly over her request for an eight-hour workday. The situation snowballed into a wider industry debate on work-life balance.
Matters escalated when Vanga posted a sharp note on social media, accusing an unnamed actor of breaching trust and questioning what he described as selective feminism. While he did not name Deepika directly, the timing and context left little room for doubt, fuelling days of online discourse.
Against that backdrop, Vanga’s praise for Ranveer Singh — Deepika’s husband — has naturally drawn attention, with many seeing it as an unexpected but telling moment.
Dhurandhar’s Box Office Muscle
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar continues to dominate cinemas. Released on December 5, the Aditya Dhar-directed spy action thriller has crossed ₹480 crore in India and is rapidly approaching the ₹800 crore mark worldwide.
The film features a formidable ensemble including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, with performances being one of its most widely praised elements. A second instalment is already locked for release on March 19, 2026, confirming its franchise ambitions.
Final Words
In an industry often divided by camps and controversies, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s praise for Dhurandhar stands out — not just for its timing, but for its tone. Whatever differences exist off-screen, the filmmaker made it clear that when cinema works, he’s willing to acknowledge it — loudly and unapologetically.
