Bollywood
Dhurandhar: From the High Josh of Uri to a Massive Cinematic War Inside Aditya Dhar's War Room
In the world of cinema, some directors create scenes, while others orchestrate missions. Aditya Dhar belongs firmly to the latter category. As we stand on the brink of his massive December 5, 2025 release, Dhurandhar, it is fascinating to step into Aditya Dhar's War Room to understand how a filmmaker who started with a precision strike has now evolved to command an all-out cinematic war. From the patriotic roar of Uri: The Surgical Strike to the gritty, sprawling universe of Dhurandhar, here is how Dhar has redefined the Indian action genre. Back in 2019, Aditya Dhar entered the battlefield with Uri: The Surgical Strike, a film that was less of a movie and more of a national emotion. Starring a then-rising Vicky Kaushal, the film was a textbook example of tactical filmmaking. Produced on a budget of ₹42 Crore, it defied every trade prediction to emerge as an All Time Blockbuster. The film obliterated records, minting an India Net Collection of ₹244.14 Cr (India Gross: ₹293.75 Cr) and an Overseas Collection of ₹48.00 Cr, taking its Worldwide total to a staggering ₹341.75 Cr. Not only did it stand as the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2019, but it also cemented its legacy as the 10th highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. The famous dialogue How's the Josh? transitioned from a script line to a cultural greeting, proving that you don't need a massive budget to win the war"”just conviction, technical finesse, and a pulse on the nation's sentiment. Fast forward to 2025, and the strategy in Dhar's war room has shifted from efficiency to colossal scale. If Uri was a covert operation, Dhurandhar is a declaration of war. Marking his return to the director's chair after six years, Dhar has assembled what can only be described as the Avengers of Spy Dramas. The film stars Ranveer Singh in his first-ever intense espionage avatar, backed by industry heavyweights Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. The sheer assembly of this cast suggests that Dhar is no longer the tactical strategist; he is now the commander of a massive cinematic fleet. The most significant evolution in Dhar's filmmaking is visible in the creative risks he is taking with Dhurandhar. Unlike the U/A-rated patriotism of Uri, Dhurandhar dives deep into the dark, bloody world of international espionage. The film has been certified A (Adults Only) due to its intense violence and realistic action, a brave move for a commercial potboiler. Furthermore, Dhar has refused to compromise on his vision, locking the runtime at 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 1 second, making it the longest Bollywood film in over 15 years. This isn't just a movie; it's an immersive experience designed to test the endurance and excitement of the audience. Aditya Dhar's journey from 2019 to 2025 highlights a filmmaker who refuses to play it safe. With Uri, he proved he could make a profitable, critically acclaimed film on a tight budget. With Dhurandhar, he is testing the limits of star power and storytelling duration. As the film gears up for its release this Friday, one thing is certain: the War Room is active, the plans are drawn, and Aditya Dhar is ready to launch his biggest mission yet. Also Read:Dhurandhar: The 4-Minute Post-Credits Scene in Ranveer Singh's Film Sets Up a Massive Cinematic Universe; Details Inside
