Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, emerged as the highest grossing film of 2025. The film completed an impressive 75 day theatrical run. Its strong box office performance created significant buzz across the industry.
Despite its commercial success, Dhurandhar faced sharp criticism soon after release. Hollywood Reporter India’s film reviewer Anupama Chopra described it as promoting an anti Pakistan agenda. She also called the film exhausting and driven by excessive nationalism.
The review sparked intense debate online. Many viewers criticised the commentary more than the film itself. The Hollywood Reporter later removed the review video from its YouTube channel after backlash from audiences.
In a surprising turn, Hollywood Reporter recently honoured Dhurandhar with the Box Office Achievement Award. The recognition followed the film crossing Rs 800 crore in 2025. However, no member of the film’s team attended the event to receive the award.
Supporters of Dhurandhar praised the team’s decision to skip the ceremony. Some fans described it as a strong response to earlier criticism. They believed the absence itself sent a clear message.
Others offered a different perspective. A section of commentators argued that successful filmmakers should accept criticism gracefully. They noted that even global franchises receive mixed reviews without affecting long term impact.
Some observers also pointed out how individual opinions can affect an entire media brand. A single controversial review can create wider repercussions. Companies may face backlash even if the view expressed is subjective.
Dhurandhar continues to remain a talking point months after release. The team has not issued any official statement regarding their absence. For many, the silence has become part of the film’s ongoing narrative.
