Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar Made Me Question My Ability as a Filmmaker, Says Karan Johar: ‘I Was Blown Away’

The Dhurandhar phenomenon continues to sweep the nation, winning hearts not only among audiences but also within the film industry’s most influential voices. The latest and perhaps most telling endorsement comes from filmmaker Karan Johar, who openly admitted that the film forced him to re-evaluate his own craft.

Speaking at the book launch of Anupama Chopra’s Dining With Stars, Karan reflected on how the year shaped his cinematic inspirations.

“I began the year loving Saiyaara and ended it loving Dhurandhar,” he said.

Describing his first experience of watching the film, Karan added, “I was blown away by Dhurandhar. It makes you feel like, ‘Oh my craft is limited.’ Look at the use of background music. What I loved was that the director didn’t seem self-aware. He wasn’t trying to show off. He was simply telling the story — and doing it beautifully.”

The celebrated producer-director explained that what moved him most was the film’s restraint and confidence.

“I never felt he went wide just to show a great frame. It was beautifully shot without self-awareness. It made me question my ability as a filmmaker — and that’s always a good thing. I take that positively.”

He also praised other films he admired this year, including Lokah, adding, “I went mad when I watched Lokah.”

Earlier this year, Karan had shared a glowing review of Dhurandhar on social media, congratulating director Aditya Dhar, lead actor Ranveer Singh, and the entire cast and crew, calling the film “outstanding.”

About Dhurandhar

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a high-stakes spy action thriller that follows Hamza, an Indian intelligence officer portrayed by Ranveer Singh, who infiltrates the criminal empire of Rehman Dakait, played by Akshaye Khanna, in Pakistan’s Lyari district to expose his network’s links with the ISI.

The film also stars Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, and several others in pivotal roles.

Record-Breaking Box Office Run

Despite mixed critical reviews, Dhurandhar has emerged as a commercial juggernaut.

It has collected ₹1,065 crore worldwide and is set to cross ₹700 crore in India today, placing it among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.

Sequel Confirmed

With excitement at an all-time high, the makers have officially announced Dhurandhar Part 2, scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026.