As Dhurandhar continues its dream run at the box office, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has thrown a provocative new angle into the conversation. According to RGV, the Ranveer Singh–led action thriller isn’t just a commercial hit — it’s making a section of Bollywood deeply uncomfortable.
Days after praising Aditya Dhar’s film, Varma has now claimed that the industry is deliberately downplaying Dhurandhar, not because it lacks merit, but because its success exposes uncomfortable truths.
“They’re Ignoring It Because They’re Afraid”
Taking to social media, the Satya director suggested that whenever a “path-breaking” and “monstrous hit” like Dhurandhar arrives, parts of the industry choose silence over celebration.
According to Varma, the film has rattled filmmakers who, in his words, lack the ability to match its “brilliance, intelligence, integrity, and craft.” He argued that instead of engaging with the film’s success, they prefer to pretend it doesn’t exist — hoping the discomfort fades once they return to their own projects.
A Swipe at Pan-India and Masala Templates
RGV didn’t stop there. He took a pointed jab at big-budget pan-India films currently in production, claiming many of them were conceived using outdated formulas — heavy VFX, expensive sets, item numbers, and exaggerated hero worship.
In contrast, Varma praised Dhurandhar for flipping that model. He noted that the film is being “worshipped for its filmmaking” rather than just its star power, something he believes is deeply unsettling for makers invested in the old template.
The ‘Horror Film’ Metaphor
In typical RGV fashion, Varma used a vivid metaphor to make his point. He compared Dhurandhar to a menacing dog lurking outside production houses — unseen, unspoken, but constantly present in the minds of filmmakers.
According to him, even if industry insiders avoid mentioning the film, its success will continue to haunt them, especially when their own films release and face comparison.
Why Dhurandhar Hits a Nerve
Varma argued that Dhurandhar isn’t just a box office winner — it’s one of the most talked-about films in decades, forcing the industry to reassess what audiences actually want. In his view, Aditya Dhar’s film has become a mirror that filmmakers can’t escape, no matter how hard they try.
Final Words
Ram Gopal Varma’s comments may be controversial, but they tap into a larger industry debate. Is Dhurandhar being quietly sidelined, or is it genuinely reshaping how big action films are judged in Bollywood?
One thing is clear — whether embraced or ignored, Dhurandhar has already left its mark. And if RGV is to be believed, it’s going to loom large over Bollywood’s next wave of big releases.
