Director Ram Gopal Varma has lauded Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' for its authentic character writing, contrasting it with the spectacle-driven approach of Yash's 'Toxic', which is currently underperforming at the box office.
- RGV praised 'Dhurandhar' for creating living, breathing, and relatable characters.
- The director criticized 'Toxic' for prioritizing style and slow-motion over inner character depth.
- 'Dhurandhar 2' significantly outperformed 'Toxic' in initial box office collections.
Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) has sparked a fresh debate in the film industry by praising Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar'. His comments, posted on X (formerly Twitter), arrive at a critical juncture as 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grownups', starring Yash, struggles to meet high box office expectations following its August 26 release.
Varma emphasized that the primary lesson for modern filmmakers is the approach to characterization seen in 'Dhurandhar'. He noted that the film is populated with characters who feel as real as the audience watching them, making the narrative highly immersive. Drawing a parallel to his own 1998 gangster epic 'Satya', Varma claimed that 'Dhurandhar' takes the concept of realism to an entirely new level.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that RGV is targeting the 'superstar' trope of Indian cinema. By contrasting the two films, he is highlighting a growing divide between 'cinema of substance' and 'cinema of spectacle'. His critique suggests that the audience's appetite for mindless hero-worship is waning in favor of authentic storytelling.
"When a film treats its hero as a walking poster, it ceases to be a story and becomes a marketing brochure."
RGV specifically lauded Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of Rehman Dakait, noting that the character possesses specific fears and mannerisms rather than just being designed to look 'iconic' in a promotional still. He extended this praise to other supporting actors, stating that they do not exist merely to 'decorate the star'.
In a scathing critique of the female roles in 'the other film' (widely understood to be 'Toxic'), Varma argued that the women are treated as 'functions' revolving around the male lead, rather than independent people with their own agency. He further criticized the use of violence in commercial cinema, stating that in 'Dhurandhar', violence has a consequence, whereas in 'Toxic', it is mere spectacle without context.
| Metric | Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge | Toxic |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Opening | Rs 300 Crore+ | Under Rs 300 Crore |
| Overall Performance | Highest Grossing Franchise | Below Expectations |
| Directorial Approach | Character-Driven Realism | Style-Driven Spectacle |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did RGV compare 'Dhurandhar' and 'Toxic'?
The two films were originally scheduled to clash on March 19, 2026, creating a natural point of comparison for critics and audiences.
Q2: What is RGV's main criticism of 'Toxic'?
He believes the film relies too heavily on 'fog and slow motion' and treats the protagonist as an idol rather than a human being.
