When a filmmaker known for emotional, family-driven cinema praises a high-octane action film, you know something unusual is happening. That’s exactly the case with Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which continues to dominate both at the box office and within industry circles.
Amid its massive success, veteran director Sooraj Barjatya has openly applauded Aditya Dhar’s film, calling it a “perfect picture after Sholay.” That’s not a casual compliment — it’s the kind of statement that instantly puts the film in a different league.
Speaking to Screen, Barjatya admitted that Dhurandhar isn’t the kind of film he typically makes or is known for, but that didn’t stop him from appreciating it. According to him, strong storytelling cuts across genres. He pointed out how every character in the film feels well-crafted, giving full credit to Aditya Dhar’s vision.
Interestingly, his praise wasn’t limited to just technical aspects. Barjatya also touched on something deeper — the emotional core of storytelling. He mentioned that films like Dhurandhar play an important role in reminding audiences, especially younger viewers, about trust, hope, and staying connected in a world that often feels divided.
That perspective stands out, especially coming from a filmmaker whose own work has always focused on relationships and emotional bonds. It shows how even a gritty action thriller can carry a larger message if done right.
And clearly, audiences have responded. The Dhurandhar franchise has turned into a box office juggernaut. The first part introduced Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an Indian spy navigating the dangerous underworld of Lyari while dismantling terror networks. The sequel, released on March 19, dives deeper into his transformation — from an undercover operative to a powerful figure within Pakistan’s political and criminal structure.
The numbers tell their own story. The first film crossed ₹1,300 crore globally, while The Revenge has already surged past ₹1,700 crore in just a few weeks. It also achieved something unprecedented — becoming the first Bollywood film to cross ₹1,000 crore in India alone. That kind of performance isn’t just success; it’s a shift in scale for the industry.
What’s working here is the balance. The film delivers spectacle, scale, and star power, but it also invests in character arcs and narrative stakes. That combination is what keeps it from feeling like just another action franchise.
Barjatya also briefly mentioned enjoying Saiyaara, expressing happiness for Aditya Chopra and Mohit Suri — a reminder that the industry, despite competition, still celebrates its wins collectively.
On his own front, Barjatya has been experimenting beyond films. His recent show Sangamarmar marked his entry into the streaming space, while his upcoming project Yeh Prem Mol Liya, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari, is expected to blend his signature emotional storytelling with a contemporary touch.
But right now, the spotlight firmly belongs to Dhurandhar. With industry veterans backing it and audiences turning it into a record-breaking phenomenon, the film isn’t just running in theatres — it’s setting a new benchmark for what Bollywood scale can look like.
