The blockbuster success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the latest theatrical release directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has sparked an unexpected discussion in the Indian film industry — not about its box office performance, but about the conspicuous silence from much of Bollywood despite acclaim from South Indian and other international film figures.
Since its release on March 19, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has shattered box office records and become one of the highest‑grossing Hindi films ever, rapidly pushing past ₹1,000 crore in domestic collections and outperforming predecessors such as Pushpa 2 in several key markets. South Indian cinema heavyweights — including legendary filmmakers and actors — have openly praised the film’s storytelling, scale, and Ranveer Singh’s performance, generating a chorus of support that stands out against the quiet from many segments of Bollywood.
Veteran filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, for example, has publicly lamented what he calls a lack of industry unity, saying the overwhelming silence from prominent Hindi film personalities is “shocking” given the film’s impact. Similarly, commentators and writers within film circles have pointed out that while Dhurandhar and its sequel have achieved milestone success — with the sequel nearing all‑time box office peaks — numerous Bollywood A‑listers and studios have yet to enthusiastically acknowledge the achievement.
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The apparent reticence has spurred reactions online, with sections of fans and netizens criticising major stars for not publicly celebrating a high‑profile Hindi release. Some discussions focus on broader industry dynamics, suggesting the pattern may reflect underlying divides between Bollywood’s commercial establishments and a changing cinematic landscape marked by pan‑India storytelling and cross‑regional success.
Not all prominent figures are absent, however: actors such as Vicky Kaushal have shared praise for the film, and former officials have extolled its craft and reach. Amid this backdrop, social media moments — such as a selfie shared by Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh — have attracted attention as possible attempts to diffuse some of the criticism about silence, rather than serve as direct endorsements of the film’s achievements.
Industry insiders suggest the discussion reflects broader changes in Indian cinema as newer narratives and ambitious projects continue to transcend regional boundaries, challenging the conventional patterns of celebration and support within established film fraternities. For audiences and analysts, the “curious case” of Bollywood’s silence might reveal not just personal preferences but shifting priorities in how Indian films — especially those with pan‑India success — are publicly embraced by peers.
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