Ram Gopal Varma questions film industry's loud silence over Dhurandhar 2 success

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has sparked fresh debate in the industry, this time questioning the muted response to the massive success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. While the film, directed by Aditya Dhar, continues to dominate conversations among audiences, Varma expressed surprise at what he sees as a lack of visible appreciation from within the Hindi film fraternity.

The director wrote on X, "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."

He went on to speculate on the reasons behind this, adding, "I don't know whether this is because the #Dhurandhar2 's devastating explosion has hurled everyone else in the film industry so far into OUTER SPACE that their applause cannot reach here due to the long distances, OR whether they're 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. OR are they just paralysed by the film's sheer brilliance, realising that whatever they've been making or planning to make, now simply cannot measure up? (sic)"

Beyond the silence, Varma emphasised that ignoring the film’s impact would be a mistake. He described Dhurandhar 2 as a force powerful enough to shake the industry’s foundations and urged filmmakers to study it closely rather than dismissing it. According to him, the film represents a shift that demands attention and learning from peers.

He also encouraged aspiring filmmakers to experience the film first-hand, writing, "My one line advise to all film students is 'Leave your institutes and spend that money and time in #Dhurandhar2 theatres' (sic)."

In a detailed review, Varma praised Dhar’s filmmaking style, suggesting it goes beyond traditional direction. He said the filmmaker "did not direct, but weaponised cinema itself," highlighting the film’s blend of high-intensity action and emotional storytelling.

He also praised its technical craft, including its chapter-based narrative, practical effects, sound design, and editing, noting that its nearly four-hour runtime remains engaging throughout.

Varma singled out performances as another strength, commending Ranveer Singh for a layered and impactful portrayal, while appreciating R Madhavan for his restrained presence.

Concluding his remarks, Varma described the film as a benchmark for future cinema, suggesting it should be studied like a textbook rather than simply watched.