Man Who Gave Us Uri Returns—And He's Fighting Battles On-Screen and Off-Screen!
Aditya Dhar is not just a director; he's a filmmaker who believes in going all out. The man who set a new standard for patriotic action with Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) is finally back after six years with his new film, 'Dhurandhar,' and it’s already the centre of not one, but two massive controversies!
Starring a fierce and intense Ranveer Singh as a covert Indian agent, alongside a powerhouse cast including R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal, 'Dhurandhar' is promising a bloody, complex spy thriller inspired by true events.
But trust Bollywood to make the off-screen drama just as big as the movie. Here is a breakdown of the fire Aditya Dhar and 'Dhurandhar' have ignited.
H2: The Extreme Violence Debate: Is Dhurandhar Too Gory?
The first major controversy is about the content of the film itself. The trailer for 'Dhurandhar' is uncompromisingly raw, showing a level of graphic violence and torture that has shaken the audience.
The Shock: Scenes of characters being brutally beaten, and even one sequence suggesting a character is being skinned alive by the antagonist, have become the focal point of the debate.
The Criticism: Well-known voices, including political commentators, have sharply criticized the director for what they call "extreme, unnecessary violence" and "glorifying unimaginable torture." They have urged the Censor Board (CBFC) to take strict action, questioning why the Board often worries more about kissing scenes than such explicit gore.
The Defence: On the other side, many fans and analysts are praising Dhar for his unflinching vision, arguing that the brutality is necessary to convey the harsh reality of cross-border counter-terrorism. Ranveer Singh himself lauded Dhar for being "absolutely uncompromising in his vision."
This controversy pits the call for realistic storytelling against the fear of normalising violence for entertainment. Dhar is standing firm, delivering a film that forces the audience to confront the dark nature of its subject matter.
The Work-Hours War: A Direct 'Jibe' at Deepika Padukone?
This is the controversy that has the industry buzzing the loudest, especially since it involves the film's lead, Ranveer Singh, and his wife, Deepika Padukone.
At the trailer launch, Aditya Dhar did something many directors do—he praised his hardworking team. But his words landed like a bombshell:
"We have worked 16 hours, 18 hours continuously for one and a half years... And not even once has anybody complained... Everybody has given their 100%."
The internet immediately read this as a sharp dig at Deepika Padukone and the ongoing debate she ignited about Bollywood's punishing schedules.
Why the Statement Became a Headache
Deepika Padukone, especially after becoming a new mother, has become a vocal champion for a structured 8-hour workday in the film industry. She has made headlines for reportedly stepping away from projects where this demand could not be met, arguing that overworking is normalised and leads to burnout.
Dhar's public glorification of the 18-hour shift, made with Deepika's husband standing right beside him, was interpreted as a rejection of her views.
The Subtext: The director seemed to suggest that an uncompromising work ethic (18 hours) is necessary to make a film of this scale, subtly challenging the push for a healthier (8-hour) schedule.
The Ramifications: This single comment reignited the fierce debate: Is 'passion' an excuse for exhausting and exploitative work conditions, or is this relentless dedication a must for blockbuster cinema?
Aditya Dhar's film is now not just a war thriller but a central figure in Bollywood's internal fight over ethics and commitment.
What to Expect from Dhurandhar
Despite the intense controversies, 'Dhurandhar' promises a return to form for Aditya Dhar and a dramatic comeback for Ranveer Singh in the action genre. The scale is massive, the performances look intense, and the film is set to be a spectacle.
With the film set to release on December 5th, Aditya Dhar has ensured that everyone—from critics to general audiences—will be talking about his work for months to come.
Are you excited for the film, or do you think the industry needs to rethink its working hours and depiction of violence? Let us know your thoughts!
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