Kangana Ranaut Hails Aditya Dhar as Bollywood’s New ‘Superstar Filmmaker’ After Dhurandhar 2 Triumph

Says the director is “shining brighter than any hero” and inspiring a new generation beyond acting dreams

Kangana Ranaut has openly praised filmmaker Aditya Dhar following the massive success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, calling him a “superstar filmmaker” and crediting him for redefining the power of directors in Bollywood. Sharing her thoughts publicly, Kangana emphasized how Dhar’s achievement stands out in an industry where actors usually dominate the spotlight, stating that his success proves filmmakers can be the true driving force behind a film’s impact.

The blockbuster performance of Dhurandhar 2, released in March 2026, has turned heads across the industry, with audiences and insiders alike praising its scale, storytelling, and execution. Dhar, who first gained nationwide recognition with Uri: The Surgical Strike, has now further cemented his reputation as one of the most influential directors in modern Hindi cinema. His latest success has sparked conversations about how Bollywood perceives and values creative talent behind the camera.

Kangana also pointed out a stark contrast between Bollywood and Hollywood, noting that filmmakers in the West—like Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino—are celebrated as stars in their own right. In comparison, she argued that Indian filmmakers and technicians often remain underappreciated despite their crucial role in shaping cinematic experiences. She further highlighted that many aspiring artists in India still dream of becoming actors, largely because those behind the scenes rarely receive equal recognition or rewards.

According to Kangana, Aditya Dhar’s journey and success could mark a turning point. She believes his rise will inspire youngsters to explore filmmaking and technical roles, helping shift the focus from stardom to storytelling. By celebrating directors as the real heroes of cinema, she suggests the industry can encourage a healthier and more balanced creative ecosystem.

As Dhurandhar 2 continues to dominate conversations and the box office, the spotlight has firmly shifted toward its creator—signaling a rare and refreshing moment where the filmmaker is being celebrated just as much, if not more, than the stars on screen.