Sandeep Reddy Vanga Supports Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ as Aditya Dhar Sends Well Wishes to Prabhas for ‘Spirit’

Acclaimed director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has publicly praised “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” the Ranveer Singh-led sequel that continues to dominate the box office since its March release.

In a pointed social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Vanga called the film “outstanding” while simultaneously criticizing those who have labeled it propaganda. “Writers & actors built careers on propaganda, and the industry stayed quiet like cats. Now the same clan mock Dhurandhar,” Vanga wrote. “You don’t get to call yourself liberal if your first instinct is to Mock. Don’t know when truth started getting labeled as propaganda…… strange times.”

The “Animal” director’s comments highlight growing tensions within Bollywood regarding political narratives in cinema. His statement appears to reference an ongoing debate about nationalist themes in recent Indian films and selective criticism from industry insiders.

Vanga specifically addressed director Aditya Dhar and lead actor Ranveer Singh in his post, using metaphorical language that suggested they need stronger responses to critics: “Yeh kaala drishti aise nahi jaayega… Muthi bhar ke laal mirch se kaam nahi chalega…. poora khet jalana padega,” which roughly translates to the idea that small measures won’t be enough to ward off negative energy.

Dhar responded warmly to Vanga’s support, praising the director’s unwavering commitment to his creative vision. “I genuinely love the way you stand your ground and give it back when it matters. There’s a real honesty and belief in that and it’s something I truly respect,” Dhar replied. “I’ve always looked up to how you back your cinema without any doubt or noise. That kind of conviction reminds all of us to trust our voice and just go for it.”

The exchange reflects a growing alliance between filmmakers who have faced similar criticisms for their narrative choices in contemporary Indian cinema. Dhar also used the opportunity to send regards to actor Prabhas, who is set to star in Vanga’s upcoming project “Spirit,” demonstrating the interconnected nature of India’s film industry.

“Dhurandhar: The Revenge” has been a commercial success since its theatrical release on March 19, reportedly breaking multiple box office records. The film has garnered praise from numerous industry heavyweights, including cricket star Virat Kohli and his actor wife Anushka Sharma, as well as acclaimed actors Shefali Shah, Vicky Kaushal, and Priyanka Chopra. Filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and veteran actor Anupam Kher have also voiced their support.

The sequel builds on the success of the original “Dhurandhar” film, with Dhar returning to the director’s chair. Beyond Ranveer Singh in the lead role, the movie features an ensemble cast including Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal, bringing together established stars and supporting talent.

The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” reflects broader tensions in Indian cinema, where films with nationalist themes have often faced scrutiny about political messaging. Vanga’s remarks suggest frustration with what he perceives as a double standard in how certain narratives are evaluated by critics and industry insiders.

As the film continues its theatrical run, the debate it has sparked highlights the increasingly polarized nature of content reception in India’s entertainment landscape, where commercial success and critical reception sometimes diverge along ideological lines. The strong box office performance indicates that regardless of the debate among industry figures, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” has clearly resonated with audiences across the country.