Madhur Bhandarkar's Year-End Cinema Verdict: 2025 Belongs to Dhurandhar
The Evolution of Industry Grammar Through Aditya Dhar's Vision
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, speaking in exclusive interview assessing 2025's cinematic landscape, declared unequivocally that the year belonged to Dhurandhar and its creative team, with particular emphasis on director Aditya Dhar's transformative influence on Hindi cinema's fundamental structure and creative approach. Bhandarkar's assessment extends beyond mere commercial success or audience appreciation to recognize Dhar's contribution as paradigm-shifting influence on industry conventions.[1]
Bhandarkar's specific statement—"As a director, I feel Aditya Dhar has changed the grammar. He has changed the whole dynamics, the whole equation of the film industry and the script"—articulates profound industry transformation transcending individual film success. The use of "grammar" metaphorically references language structure and fundamental communication patterns, suggesting Dhar's innovations altered how stories are conceptualized, narratives are structured, and industry professionals approach filmmaking fundamentally.[1]
This assessment carries particular weight coming from Bhandarkar, whose own "Fashion" (2008) represented paradigm-shifting film combining social commentary with sophisticated narrative structure and artistic ambition. Bhandarkar's recognition of another filmmaker's industry-changing contribution reflects genuine respect and acknowledgment of peer achievement rather than competitive dismissal.[1]
Dhar's achievement, in Bhandarkar's estimation, transcends individual directorial success to represent systemic industry impact: "He has changed the whole equation of the film industry." This systemic impact suggests influence extending beyond Dhurandhar's audience appeal to reshape how producers, directors, writers, and studios conceptualize Hindi cinema narratives and creative execution.[1]
Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar came to Mumbai with just one ...
Dhurandhar (2025) - IMDb
Ranveer Singh's Restrained Performance: Surrendering to Directorial Vision
The Art of Subtle Performance in Ensemble Narrative
Bhandarkar's detailed analysis of Ranveer Singh's performance in Dhurandhar emphasizes a sophisticated acting approach often overlooked in industry discourse: the ability to deliver compelling character work while remaining frequently background presence within ensemble narrative. Rather than traditional protagonist dominance demanding constant screen focus, Ranveer's role required him to embody character through restraint, subtle physicality, and expressive presence even when narratively secondary.[1]
Bhandarkar articulated this complex acting requirement: "I loved him because I just felt that the role required a lot of restraint in the character, and he did it. And sometimes he is just in the background. And that also, he performed so well. In the foreground, you have Akshaye and other people, and he performed so well." The recognition acknowledges that Ranveer successfully navigated character demand requiring suppression of star ego and constant visibility, instead prioritizing ensemble narrative coherence.[1]
This ensemble approach represents sophisticated performance philosophy: rather than overshadowing co-actors or demanding narrative dominance, Ranveer subordinated his star power to serve the film's overall storytelling and character architecture. For actors accustomed to protagonist positioning and narrative centrality, such ensemble roles demand psychological adjustment and willingness to succeed through subtle contribution rather than explicit star power.[1]
Surrender to Directorial Vision
Bhandarkar emphasized a crucial collaborative dynamic: "I feel Ranveer just surrendered to the vision of the filmmaker. He was just there, like one of the people who were there." The concept of "surrender" contrasts with typical star-director power dynamics where actors may assert creative input or resist directorial choices. Instead, Ranveer's approach involved complete trust and alignment with Dhar's artistic vision.[1]
This surrender extended to meticulous detail work: "Even in his close-ups, when Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal are saying their lines, he's just lying there, alert." Rather than using close-up opportunities to dominate scenes, Ranveer maintained character integrity and ensemble awareness even when cinematographically isolated. The "alert" physical state suggests active engagement despite narrative quiet—a nuanced performance choice requiring sustained concentration.[1]
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Akshaye Khanna: Masterclass Performance in Dual Film Roles
The Dual Triumph: Dhurandhar and Chhaava
Bhandarkar reserved exceptional praise for Akshaye Khanna's performances in two separate 2025 films—Dhurandhar and historical drama Chhaava—characterizing his work as "masterclass" acting demonstrations worthy of industry study and emulation. Rather than treating Akshaye's achievements as equivalent, Bhandarkar emphasized the exceptional nature of delivering dual masterful performances in different genre films within the same year.[1]
Bhandarkar's specific assessment: "Akshay Khanna was absolutely brilliant in both films. Akshay Khanna, especially! I tweeted about it. It was a masterclass for any actor. The body language, the nuances, the kind of work he has done. Fab, fab, fab is an understatement. It's brilliant." The hyperbolic language—"fab is an understatement" and repeated "brilliant"—conveys genuine amazement at performance caliber transcending normal industry standards.[1]
Nuanced Performance Technique and Physical Presence
Bhandarkar's specific praise focused on performance technique elements many viewers overlook: "The body language, the nuances, the kind of work he has done." Rather than discussing dramatic scenes or emotional moments, Bhandarkar emphasized technical performance aspects—how actors inhabit characters physically and through subtle behavioral choices.[1]
Body language as performance vehicle—how actors move, hold themselves, occupy physical space—often determines character authenticity more than dialogue delivery or explicit emotional expression. Akshaye's mastery of this subtle physical vocabulary distinguishes his work as sophisticated actor craft transcending typical star performance.[1]
The "nuances" reference suggests complexity in character portrayal: avoiding simplistic interpretation while finding psychological depth, contradictions, and behavioral authenticity within characters. Such nuance work requires deep character understanding and disciplined performance restraint—avoiding obvious choices in favor of psychologically authentic complexity.[1]
Rishab Shetty on 'Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1' and Its ...
Chhaava (2025) - IMDb
Nuanced Character Work: The 26/11 Terror Attack Sequence and Torture Scene Analysis
The Demanding Vulnerability of Restrained Performance
As conversation moved toward detailed performance analysis, Bhandarkar specifically discussed Ranveer's nuanced character work during two pivotal Dhurandhar sequences: the 26/11 terror attack aftermath and a torture scene involving Arjun Rampal's character. These sequences demanded sophisticated emotional and physical performance work highlighting Ranveer's capacity for restrained yet compelling acting.[1]
Regarding the 26/11 sequence, Bhandarkar observed: "I think that nuance was very well caught, especially during the 26/11 scene and the way he reacted." The emphasis on "caught" suggests cinematographic precision in documenting subtle reaction work—directorial attention to capturing behavioral nuance through camera technique rather than demanding obvious emotional display.[1]
The torture scene analysis emphasized particular performance challenge: "See, it's very difficult to restrain performances. And that also, it's not that you are reacting within four walls with other people. It's a very difficult kind of performance, you know, where the audience really captures well." This articulation identifies the paradox of restrained performance: demonstrating character reaction and emotional experience while maintaining behavioral control and psychological authenticity.[1]
Directorial Attention to Subtle Performance Documentation
Bhandarkar credited both actor and director for achieving this subtle performance capture: "Aditya Dhar has definitely captured that, and he has broken new ground." The recognition emphasizes that restrained performance work requires sophisticated directorial understanding of how to frame, capture, and present subtle acting to audiences.[1]
Directors facilitating restrained performance must resist temptation toward obvious emotional display, instead trusting subtle acting choices and careful cinematography to communicate character depth. Dhar's achievement involved maintaining scene tension and emotional clarity despite actor's deliberate emotional underplay—a technical and creative challenge requiring exceptional filmmaking skill.[1]
Fashion movie director Madhur Bhandarkar test positive for ...
Saiyaara: Debut Performances and Love Story Excellence
Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda's Extraordinary Debut
In Bhandarkar's comprehensive year-end cinema assessment, romantic drama Saiyaara earned second position among his top three films, with particular praise for debut performers Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda. Rather than dismissing debut efforts as conventionally expected for newcomers, Bhandarkar emphasized their performances exceeded typical debut quality, suggesting exceptional talent and preparation.[1]
Bhandarkar's reaction: "I loved 'Saiyaara' because I thought that the love story was brilliant. Both actors, Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda, were outstanding in the film. When I was watching the film, I was just mesmerised by it completely." The use of "mesmerised" conveys complete emotional engagement and aesthetic captivation—suggesting the film's romantic storytelling and lead performances achieved exceptional emotional resonance.[1]
Bhandarkar specifically praised the film's romantic narrative dimension: "I loved 'Saiyaara' because I thought that the love story was brilliant." Rather than emphasizing technical filmmaking or production values, his primary appreciation focused on romantic storytelling—the fundamental narrative craft of depicting believable, emotionally resonant romantic relationship development.[1]
His assessment of debut performers transcended typical newcomer appreciation: "And I think those two performers were brilliant in the film. It was their debut film, but it didn't feel that way; they acted so well." The comment emphasizes that Ahaan and Aneet delivered performances indistinguishable from experienced actors' work—a significant achievement demonstrating exceptional preparation, natural talent, or both.[1]
Saiyaara (2025) - IMDb
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Kantara: Chapter 1 - Rishab Shetty's Mesmerizing Performance
Kannada Cinema Excellence and Cross-Regional Achievement
Rounding out Bhandarkar's top three films of 2025, Kantara: Chapter 1—the Kannada-language prequel to the wildly successful Kantara (2022)—earned recognition for Kannada cinema's sophisticated storytelling capability and lead actor Rishab Shetty's exceptional performance work. The inclusion of regional Kannada film among top three 2025 releases reflects Bhandarkar's sophisticated appreciation for cinema transcending Hindi film industry conventions.[1]
Bhandarkar's concise assessment: "Another film I liked was 'Kantara: Chapter 1.' I loved it." Calling it "simply awesome," he continued, "I think Reshab Shetty was just brilliant, the way he performed. He mesmerised everybody with his performances." The repetition of "mesmerised"—previously used describing Saiyaara—establishes consistent appreciation for performances engaging audiences emotionally and aesthetically.[1]
Regional Cinema's Artistic Legitimacy
Bhandarkar's inclusion of Kannada film among his top three year-end selections represents implicit assertion that regional cinema achieves artistic legitimacy equivalent to Hindi cinema, deserving equal critical assessment and cultural recognition. Rather than relegating regional cinema to secondary status or parochial interest, his evaluation treats Kantara: Chapter 1 as essential 2025 cinema worthy of broader industry conversation.[1]
His concluding observation—"It was a brilliant work this time. Really enjoyed it"—demonstrates genuine appreciation extending beyond professional obligation toward authentic artistic satisfaction. For a filmmaker of Bhandarkar's stature and Hindi cinema establishment position, such recognition toward regional cinema suggests confident industry perspective transcending regional competitive dynamics.[1]
Rishab Shetty on 'Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1' and Its ...
Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 (2025) - IMDb
The Filmmaker's Perspective: Industry Transformation and Artistic Excellence
Recognizing Paradigm Shifts in Contemporary Cinema
Bhandarkar's year-end cinema assessment transcends mere film criticism to articulate broader observations regarding 2025's industry trajectory and creative evolution. His elevation of Dhurandhar as year's dominant film and Aditya Dhar's directorial approach as industry-transforming represents recognition that cinema occasionally experiences paradigm-shifting moments where individual achievements reshape broader creative landscape.[1]
Such moments occur when established conventions are challenged, new creative approaches prove commercially viable, and industry professionals recognize and validate artistic innovation. Bhandarkar's explicit statement that Dhar "changed the grammar" of cinema articulates precisely this paradigm-shift recognition.[1]
The Value of Restrained Performance Artistry
Bhandarkar's extensive praise for Ranveer Singh's and Akshaye Khanna's restrained, nuanced performances reflects broader artistic philosophy: sophisticated, subtle acting work often exceeds dramatically obvious performances in authentic character portrayal. His detailed analysis of character work, body language, and nuanced behavioral choices educates broader audiences regarding performance technique often underappreciated in industry discourse.[1]
By celebrating these sophisticated performance approaches, Bhandarkar potentially influences industry attitudes toward actor evaluation and casting decisions, potentially encouraging producers to value subtle performance artistry alongside conventional star power.[1]
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Conclusion: 2025 as Transformative Year for Hindi Cinema
Madhur Bhandarkar's year-end cinema assessment—declaring 2025 belongs to Dhurandhar and its creative team—reflects comprehensive industry evaluation recognizing director Aditya Dhar's paradigm-shifting contribution to Hindi cinema narrative approaches and storytelling conventions. His detailed analysis of Ranveer Singh's restrained ensemble performance and Akshaye Khanna's dual masterclass achievements highlights sophisticated performance artistry meriting elevated industry recognition.[1]
The filmmaker's inclusion of romantic drama Saiyaara and Kannada cinema's Kantara: Chapter 1 among his top three selections demonstrates sophisticated cinema appreciation transcending regional divisions and conventional genre hierarchies. His assessment establishes comprehensive 2025 cinema evaluation recognizing artistic excellence across diverse films, performers, and creative visions.[1]
As 2025 concludes and film industry reflects on the year's artistic achievements, Madhur Bhandarkar's authoritative assessment provides valuable filmmaker perspective on contemporary cinema's creative evolution, performance artistry, and industry transformation. His recognition of Aditya Dhar's industry-changing contribution and celebration of nuanced, restrained performance work articulate enduring artistic values transcending commercial success to encompass genuine creative achievement and artistic evolution.[1]
For industry observers, aspiring filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts, Bhandarkar's year-end cinema critique offers authoritative assessment of 2025's most significant artistic achievements while implicitly arguing for continued appreciation of subtle, sophisticated filmmaking and performance work that elevates cinema toward genuine artistic expression.[1]
Citations:
Times of India (TOI) - Madhur Bhandarkar says 2025 belongs to team 'Dhurandhar': 'Aditya Dhar changed the grammar; Ranveer Singh just surrendered to the vision of the filmmaker' (Exclusive Interview); Madhur Bhandarkar filmmaker commentary and year-end cinema assessment; Film critic analysis of Dhurandhar and 2025 cinema landscape; IMDb - Dhurandhar (2025) film details and cast information; IMDb - Saiyaara (2025) film details; IMDb - Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 (2025) film information; IMDb - Chhaava (2025) historical drama details; Bollywood industry publications - 2025 cinema trends and filmmaker perspectives; Performance analysis - Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna acting technique documentation[1]
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