Soul of Dhurandhar: Aditya Dhar praises film's cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha
Aditya Dhar praised cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha as the "soul behind" Dhurandhar: The Revenge. He highlighted Nowlakha's contribution to the film's visual storytelling.
Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues to perform strongly at the box office, and the film's director Aditya Dhar recently introduced audiences to the person he calls the “soul” of the film -- cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha. Sharing behind-the-scenes moments, Dhar credited Nowlakha for playing a key role in shaping the film’s visual storytelling.
Dhar posted a series of BTS images on Instagram showing Vikash at work behind the camera. Alongside the photos, he wrote, “Here’s to Vikash Nowlakha, the eye, the instinct, and the soul behind Dhurandhar. He was the last HOD to come on board, Dhurandhar. Just a few days before we began. And knowing how deeply selective he is, that timing meant everything. It felt less like onboarding a cinematographer and more like destiny quietly stepping in at the right moment. I still remember what he said after reading the script, ‘I’ve waited 30 years to do a film like this. I’ll give my life to it.’ And he meant every word (sic).”
He went on to highlight the cinematographer’s commitment during the shoot, stating that what followed was not just work but devotion. He described how, despite impossible schedules and chaotic conditions, including shooting what was essentially two films within the time and cost of one, Vikash remained steady and relentless at the centre of it all.
He added that Vikash carried the weight of the film on his shoulders, working through the extreme heat of Amritsar and the harsh cold of Leh, without ever allowing the vision to falter.
Dhar also reflected on what sets Vikash apart, stating, “Every frame in Dhurandhar breathes because he allowed it to. He didn’t just capture moments, he gave them life. His inputs on set were never loud, but always precise. Always truthful. Always elevating the film. There are many who shoot films. Vikash lived this one (sic).”
He concluded his note by expressing gratitude and looking ahead to future collaborations, stating that Vikash Nowlakha has given Dhurandhar something that cannot be manufactured - a soul.
The filmmaker added that he feels immense gratitude, respect, and affection for him as both an artist and a person, noting that the film carries his imprint and that this marks just the beginning of many more stories they will create together.
About Vikash Nowlakha
Vikash Nowlakha is known for his work as director of photography on films such as Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Laapataa Ladies, and Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, in addition to Dhurandhar and its sequel.
About Dhurandhar 2
Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, continues its strong run in theatres. Set against the backdrop of Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood, the film stars Ranveer Singh as Indian spy Jaskirat Singh Rangi, who infiltrates the gangs of Lyari under the alias Hamza, aiming to dismantle the underworld and a terror network impacting India. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Sara Arjun.
Backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, the film released on March 19 in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues to perform strongly at the box office, and the film's director Aditya Dhar recently introduced audiences to the person he calls the “soul” of the film -- cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha. Sharing behind-the-scenes moments, Dhar credited Nowlakha for playing a key role in shaping the film’s visual storytelling.
Dhar posted a series of BTS images on Instagram showing Vikash at work behind the camera. Alongside the photos, he wrote, “Here’s to Vikash Nowlakha, the eye, the instinct, and the soul behind Dhurandhar. He was the last HOD to come on board, Dhurandhar. Just a few days before we began. And knowing how deeply selective he is, that timing meant everything. It felt less like onboarding a cinematographer and more like destiny quietly stepping in at the right moment. I still remember what he said after reading the script, ‘I’ve waited 30 years to do a film like this. I’ll give my life to it.’ And he meant every word (sic).”
He went on to highlight the cinematographer’s commitment during the shoot, stating that what followed was not just work but devotion. He described how, despite impossible schedules and chaotic conditions, including shooting what was essentially two films within the time and cost of one, Vikash remained steady and relentless at the centre of it all.
He added that Vikash carried the weight of the film on his shoulders, working through the extreme heat of Amritsar and the harsh cold of Leh, without ever allowing the vision to falter.
Dhar also reflected on what sets Vikash apart, stating, “Every frame in Dhurandhar breathes because he allowed it to. He didn’t just capture moments, he gave them life. His inputs on set were never loud, but always precise. Always truthful. Always elevating the film. There are many who shoot films. Vikash lived this one (sic).”
He concluded his note by expressing gratitude and looking ahead to future collaborations, stating that Vikash Nowlakha has given Dhurandhar something that cannot be manufactured - a soul.
The filmmaker added that he feels immense gratitude, respect, and affection for him as both an artist and a person, noting that the film carries his imprint and that this marks just the beginning of many more stories they will create together.
About Vikash Nowlakha
Vikash Nowlakha is known for his work as director of photography on films such as Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Laapataa Ladies, and Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, in addition to Dhurandhar and its sequel.
About Dhurandhar 2
Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, continues its strong run in theatres. Set against the backdrop of Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood, the film stars Ranveer Singh as Indian spy Jaskirat Singh Rangi, who infiltrates the gangs of Lyari under the alias Hamza, aiming to dismantle the underworld and a terror network impacting India. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Sara Arjun.
Backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, the film released on March 19 in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
