Ram Gopal Varma Applauds Dhurandhar 2 Yet Challenges Its Dawood Ibrahim Depiction
Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has emerged as one of the most vocal supporters of the blockbuster film Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, showering it with high praise while simultaneously raising a significant point of contention regarding its portrayal of the infamous gangster Dawood Ibrahim.
High Praise for Director Aditya Dhar and Cinematic Impact
Shortly after the film's theatrical release, Varma took to social media platform X to express his admiration for director Aditya Dhar, describing Dhurandhar 2 as the "next best after Sholay." He characterized the movie as a "quantum leap" in Indian filmmaking, referring to Dhar as his "new guru," and compared its profound impact on him to that of his own cult classic Satya.
Reservations About Dawood Ibrahim's Portrayal
However, in a recent conversation with writer Hussain Zaidi on his YouTube channel, Varma revealed his reservations about how Dawood Ibrahim has been depicted in the film. "The only element I disagree with is that... I feel that the portrayal of Dawood Ibrahim... They might have their own sources (but) I think it is being shown incorrectly," he stated.
In Dhurandhar 2, the gangster is referred to as 'Bade Sahab' and is portrayed as the mastermind orchestrating terror operations in India while controlling extensive networks from Pakistan.
Clash with Personal Understanding and Beliefs
Varma further elaborated that while he cannot claim absolute authority on the matter, the version presented in the film does not align with his personal understanding. "It's not like I can say that with authority. But it is not falling in line with what I know," he added.
The director of Satya also shared his long-held belief regarding Dawood's current status, asserting, "He is inactive by choice, because he stopped doing anything. I believe he retired from criminal activities 20 years ago." Varma mentioned that he has consistently heard claims over the years about the gangster being unwell and largely inactive.
Acknowledging Ambiguity in Real-Life Portrayals
Despite his disagreement, Varma acknowledged the inherent ambiguity surrounding such real-life portrayals in cinema. "Nobody can be an expert, nobody can know this is the truth. We all think Dhurandhar has shown something... I can’t disprove it, and the director can’t prove it as well," he stated, highlighting the subjective nature of depicting historical or real-world figures.
Box Office Success and Franchise Milestones
Headlined by Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar 2 also features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, R Madhavan, Gaurav Gera, and Sara Arjun, with Akshaye Khanna playing a pivotal role in the first installment.
Released in March this year, the film has proven to be a box office juggernaut, collecting over Rs 1700 crore globally and continuing its strong performance across multiple territories. The Dhurandhar franchise has now crossed the Rs 3000 crore milestone worldwide, becoming the first Indian film series to achieve this remarkable feat.
Industry Impact and Cultural Significance
Varma's comments underscore the ongoing dialogue within Bollywood about balancing creative storytelling with factual accuracy, especially when dealing with sensitive real-life subjects. His praise positions Dhurandhar 2 as a landmark in contemporary Indian cinema, while his critique invites reflection on the responsibilities of filmmakers in portraying historical figures.
The film's unprecedented commercial success, coupled with such high-profile discussions, cements its status as a cultural phenomenon that continues to spark debate and admiration within the entertainment industry and among audiences worldwide.
