Long before Aditya Dhar delivered the record-shattering blockbuster Dhurandhar, his journey in Bollywood truly began with Uri: The Surgical Strike. As the Vicky Kaushal–led patriotic action drama completed seven years since its release, Dhar took a moment to reflect on the film that didn’t just launch his career — it reshaped it.
“Seven years on, and the josh remains just as high,” Dhar wrote, revisiting the moment when everything finally fell into place.
“My Dream Finally Became Reality”
Marking the anniversary, Dhar shared an emotional note on Instagram, recalling the long wait before his first film reached theatres. He described Uri as the culmination of years of patience, self-doubt, and relentless belief.
According to Dhar, the intent behind Uri was crystal clear from day one — to make a brave, bold Indian film with international storytelling standards. He spoke about how beginnings matter, saying they keep filmmakers grounded and hungry, especially in an industry where the journey is often unforgiving.
He also reflected on the silent struggles behind the scenes — the long nights, the constant doubt, and the pressure — and how all of it becomes worthwhile the moment audiences show up and embrace the work.
“The Josh Remains Just as High”
Re-sharing an iconic moment from the film, Dhar added that the spirit of Uri continues to inspire him even today. He paid tribute to Major Vihaan Shergill, the character played by Vicky Kaushal, and the team portrayed in the film, noting how their on-screen courage still resonates beyond cinema.
Seven years later, Uri isn’t just remembered as a successful film — it has become a cultural reference point, with its dialogue and tone firmly etched into popular memory.
Why Uri Still Matters
Released in 2019, Uri: The Surgical Strike was inspired by India’s 2016 surgical strikes and followed a covert military operation led by elite Indian Army officers. The film struck a powerful balance between patriotism and precision-driven storytelling, avoiding melodrama while celebrating courage, strategy, and sacrifice.
Its impact was reflected at the 66th National Film Awards, where the film won multiple honours — including Best Director for Aditya Dhar, Best Actor (shared) for Vicky Kaushal, along with awards for Best Audiography and Best Background Score.
For many, Uri also marked a turning point for military-themed films in Bollywood, setting a new benchmark for scale and authenticity.
From Uri to Dhurandhar: A Full-Circle Moment
Today, Dhar finds himself at the peak of commercial success with Dhurandhar, which has emerged as the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time. Starring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan, the film has crossed ₹850 crore at the box office and continues to hold strong even weeks after release.
Its sequel is already locked in for a March 19 release, underlining just how far Dhar has come since his debut.
Final Words
Seven years later, Uri: The Surgical Strike stands tall — not just as a patriotic blockbuster, but as the foundation of Aditya Dhar’s filmmaking identity. From a first-time director chasing a dream to a record-breaking filmmaker redefining box office history, the journey has come full circle.
And if Dhar’s words are anything to go by, the josh isn’t fading anytime soon.
