RGV Questions Silence on 'Dhurandhar 2' Success: Industry in Denial?

Top Summary

• What happened: Ram Gopal Varma publicly questioned the Hindi film industry's lack of open praise for Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', despite its widespread popularity.
• Why it matters: Varma believes the industry's silence may indicate denial or fear of the film's impact, potentially hindering future innovation.
• What changes: Varma urges filmmakers and students to analyze 'Dhurandhar 2' as a benchmark for high-intensity action and emotional storytelling.
• Who is affected: Aspiring filmmakers, current industry professionals, and the future direction of Hindi cinema are all potentially impacted.

Varma's Explosive Critique

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has ignited a debate by expressing surprise at the industry's response to 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. He finds the lack of visible appreciation for Aditya Dhar's film peculiar, given its massive success with audiences.

Varma took to X, stating,

"Now that @AdityaDharFilms has EXPLODED a ATOMIC BOMB right under the film industry, what is shocking is the loud silence from the rest of the film industry."

 

Speculations on the Silence

Varma speculated on the reasons behind the silence. He suggested possibilities ranging from being overwhelmed by the film's impact to being in denial.

He further questioned if the industry was

"huddled in denial, whispering to each other, 'It's just propaganda... it will go away soon,' so that they can crawl back and resume making their same old repetitive films."

 

Varma also pondered if they were

"just paralysed by the film's sheer brilliance, realising that whatever they've been making or planning to make, now simply cannot measure up?"

 

A Call to Action

Varma emphasized that ignoring 'Dhurandhar 2's' impact would be a grave mistake. He sees the film as a powerful force capable of reshaping the industry.

He implores filmmakers to study the film closely instead of dismissing it. He believes it represents a significant shift in cinematic storytelling.

Advice for Film Students

Varma urged aspiring filmmakers to experience the film first-hand. He suggests foregoing traditional film school in favor of studying 'Dhurandhar 2'.

 

"My one line advise to all film students is 'Leave your institutes and spend that money and time in #Dhurandhar2 theatres'"

 

Praise for Dhar's Directing

In a detailed review, Varma praised Dhar's unique filmmaking style. He described it as going beyond traditional direction, using the term "weaponized cinema".

He highlighted the film's blend of high-intensity action and emotional narrative. He also commended the film's technical achievements.

Technical Brilliance Highlighted

Varma specifically lauded the film's chapter-based narrative, practical effects, sound design, and editing. He noted that the film's nearly four-hour runtime remains captivating.

Acclaim for Performances

Varma singled out the performances of Ranveer Singh and R Madhavan. He praised Singh for his layered portrayal and Madhavan for his restrained performance.

A Benchmark for Cinema

Varma concluded by stating that 'Dhurandhar 2' sets a new benchmark for future cinema. He suggests it should be analyzed like a textbook, not just passively watched.

What to Watch Next

Industry reactions to Varma's statements are expected to surface in the coming days, potentially leading to a broader discussion about the future of Hindi cinema. It remains to be seen if 'Dhurandhar 2' will indeed inspire a significant shift in filmmaking approaches.