Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Dhulia Questions Dhurandhar’s Story Amid Hindi Cinema’s Formula Debate
Tigmanshu Dhulia shared his opinion about the movie Dhurandhar.
He said he liked its first part, music and presentation.
However, he wondered whether its basic plot was enough to count as a full story.
The plot involves an undercover Indian intelligence operative entering Pakistan and causing trouble there.
Dhulia said many popular Hindi movies now use similar formulas.
He believes corporate pressure makes filmmakers choose stories that seem likely to succeed.
He also said unusual stories may not be allowed to be made.
In his view, this sameness can be seen in films, fashion, people and cities.
Tigmanshu Dhulia praised Dhurandhar’s first part for its presentation, engagement and music.
He questioned whether the film’s undercover-spy premise—set partly in Pakistan—constitutes a complete story.
Dhulia said commercial Hindi films increasingly follow similar “fictional biopic” templates, citing Pushpa, KGF and Dhurandhar.
He attributed the trend to corporate culture, audience-risk calculations and what he called extreme capitalism.
He argued that unconventional stories are often rejected and said commercialisation is also making people, fashion and cities look alike.
- Who
- Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia discussed Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and written and directed by Aditya Dhar.
- What
- Dhulia praised the film’s execution but criticized its plot and the formula-driven nature of commercial Hindi cinema.
- When
- At a recent media and film-industry event; the articles do not give a definitive event date. One article reproduces a September 8, 2026 social-media post about his remarks.
- Where
- At an event described by the articles as organized by the Editors Guild of India and, in one account, as The Wire’s “The State of Media and Film Industry” event.
- Why
- He was discussing corporate influence, commercial pressures, audience expectations and what he called extreme capitalism.
Dhulia’s Critique
Commercial Cinema’s Defense
Storytelling and originality
Dhulia’s Critique
Dhulia argues that mainstream Hindi cinema has lost original stories, with unconventional ideas often rejected because producers fear they will not succeed.
Commercial Cinema’s Defense
The articles do not quote filmmakers or producers defending the formula, but the commercial model is presented as being shaped by expectations about what audiences will watch.
Dhurandhar’s plot
Dhulia’s Critique
Dhulia says the film’s premise can be reduced to an undercover spy entering Pakistan and causing havoc, and asks whether that qualifies as a story.
Commercial Cinema’s Defense
Dhurandhar’s reported commercial success and its presentation, music and entertainment value indicate that its supporters may value execution and audience engagement even if the premise is straightforward.
Corporate influence
Dhulia’s Critique
Dhulia links similar film templates and declining individuality in culture to corporate culture and extreme capitalism.
Commercial Cinema’s Defense
The articles describe commercial concerns and perceived audience demand as practical reasons filmmakers favor established templates.
- Film discussed
- Dhurandhar
- Lead actor
- Ranveer Singh
- Writer-director
- Aditya Dhar
- Dhulia’s praise
- He called the first part well presented and engaging, and praised its music.
- Plot described
- An undercover Indian intelligence operative enters Pakistan and infiltrates criminal and political networks.
- Main criticism
- Dhulia questioned whether the film’s basic premise could be considered a complete story.
- Reported box office
- The two Dhurandhar films were reported to have earned more than Rs 3,000 crore worldwide.
