Karan Johar Praises ‘Dhurandhar’ for Inspiring Filmmaking Reflection

The success of the film Dhurandhar continues to resonate within the film industry, drawing acclaim from both audiences and notable filmmakers. At a recent event, renowned director Karan Johar expressed how the film has profoundly influenced his perspective on filmmaking. Speaking at the launch of Dining With Stars, a book by film critic Anupama Chopra, Johar shared his reflections on his cinematic journey over the past year.

Johar stated, “I was blown away by Dhurandhar. It makes you feel like, ‘Oh my craft is limited.’” He highlighted the film’s innovative use of background music as a key element in its storytelling. For Johar, the seamless manner in which the director, Aditya Dhar, narrated the story stood out. He remarked, “I didn’t feel the director was trying to show off his craft. He was just seamlessly telling the story.”

Impact on the Filmmaking Community

The filmmaker noted that despite the film’s visually rich shots, it never felt overly self-indulgent. “I never felt he was going wide just to show a great frame. It was beautifully shot without self-awareness,” Johar explained. This introspective experience prompted him to reconsider his own abilities as a filmmaker, which he views positively.

In addition to Dhurandhar, Johar mentioned other standout films from the year, including Lokah, which he described as captivating. His appreciation for Dhurandhar was evident when he congratulated Ranveer Singh and the film’s entire team in an Instagram post shortly after its release, calling it outstanding.

Dhurandhar’s Box Office Triumph

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a spy action thriller that follows Indian intelligence operative Hamza, portrayed by Ranveer Singh. The character infiltrates a criminal network led by Rehman Dakait, played by Akshaye Khanna, in the Lyari region of Pakistan to uncover connections with the ISI. The film also features notable actors such as Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun.

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the year’s biggest commercial successes, grossing over ₹ 1,100 crore globally and ₹ 706.40 crore in domestic collections. The film now ranks as the seventh-highest-grossing Indian film of all time. It trails behind other major hits such as RRR and KGF: Chapter 2 in terms of box office performance.

With its impressive commercial success and strong backing from industry figures like Johar, anticipation is already mounting for a sequel, which is set for theatrical release on March 19, 2026. The lasting impact of Dhurandhar on filmmakers and audiences alike underscores the film’s significance in contemporary cinema.