Filmmaker Aditya Dhar's recent comments about Ranveer Singh's grueling work schedule on their upcoming film Dhurandhar have unexpectedly ignited a fierce online debate about work culture in Bollywood. What was intended as praise for his lead actor's dedication is now being interpreted by many as a subtle jab at Deepika Padukone's recent advocacy for structured work hours in the industry.
The Controversial Praise
At the Mumbai trailer launch event held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre on Tuesday, Dhar spoke enthusiastically about his team's commitment to the spy action thriller. The filmmaker revealed that several cast and crew members, including lead star Ranveer Singh, consistently worked 16 to 18 hours daily without complaint throughout the one-and-a-half-year production period.
"Every actor and every HoD gave their heart and soul. Everyone worked nonstop for one-and-a-half years," Dhar stated, emphasizing the collective effort behind Dhurandhar. The film marks Dhar's return to direction after a five-year gap, and he noted it attracted people eager to prove themselves.
Social Media Backlash and Deepika Connection
Despite Dhar's positive intentions, social media reactions quickly took a critical turn. Many users questioned the glorification of such extensive work hours, calling them "exploitative" and "nothing to boast about" in modern film production.
The conversation took a more specific direction as numerous online commentators drew connections to Deepika Padukone's recent push for structured, shorter work shifts in Bollywood. Several users directly questioned whether Dhar's remarks contained veiled criticism of the actress, with comments like "Is this aimed at Deepika talking about erratic schedules?" and "Sounds like a dig at her" circulating widely across platforms.
This interpretation gains context from Deepika's recent career decisions. The actress had previously stepped away from two high-profile projects - Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Nag Ashwin's Kalki sequel - after her request for an 8-hour workday as a new mother wasn't accommodated by the production teams.
Broader Implications for Bollywood
The online debate has reopened larger conversations about working conditions and expectations within the Indian film industry. While traditional Bollywood productions have often celebrated marathon shooting schedules as a sign of dedication, changing attitudes toward work-life balance and mental health are challenging these norms.
Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna, with Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on December 5, 2025.
As the discussion continues to evolve online, it highlights the ongoing tension between traditional film industry practices and evolving workplace standards, with prominent figures like Deepika Padukone advocating for change while others like Dhar celebrate established methods of filmmaking dedication.
