Tigmanshu Dhulia Critiques Dhurandhar’s Plot as “Not a Story,” Points to “Extreme Capitalism” in Film Templates
Filmmaker and actor Tigmanshu Dhulia recently expressed his thoughts on the storytelling in the Dhurandhar duology, raising questions about the film’s plot and the increasing reliance on familiar templates within the Hindi film industry. Speaking at an event organized by the Editors Guild of India, Dhulia linked this trend to what he termed “extreme capitalism,” suggesting it has impacted the quality of narratives in contemporary cinema.
Dhulia Questions the Storytelling in Dhurandhar
Without addressing the film’s box-office performance, Dhulia questioned whether the basic premise of Dhurandhar qualifies as a story. The action thriller, led by Ranveer Singh, follows an undercover spy who travels to Pakistan and disrupts its networks. “But if you ask about his story, you won’t be able to tell the story of Dhurandhar. There is a man who is an undercover spy, he goes to Pakistan and creates a ruckus there. This is not a story,” Dhulia stated.
His critique extends beyond this particular film, as he delves into a broader issue affecting contemporary filmmaking. Dhulia believes that filmmakers are increasingly constrained by preconceived notions of what audiences will accept commercially. “Stories are over in films. First of all, the storytellers are over and what they want to say is not allowed to be made. That story is not allowed to be told,” he remarked.
The Impact of Commercialization on Storytelling
Dhulia elaborated on how concerns about a film’s commercial viability can shape the narratives that reach audiences. He noted, “They feel that this film will not work. There is only one kind of template. This is what happens when there is extreme capitalism.” This perspective reflects his belief that the industry’s focus on profitability has stifled creativity and originality in storytelling.
He further extended his argument beyond cinema, suggesting that commercialization has led to a growing sense of uniformity in various aspects of life, including fashion and urban identity. “People also start looking the same. You go to a boy’s fashion. Everybody looks the same. Same haircut. Every city looks the same. The character of every city is over,” he commented.
Upcoming Project: Ghamasaan
Currently, Dhulia is promoting his upcoming directorial venture, Ghamasaan, which is set to premiere on ZEE5 on September 11. The film features Pratik Gandhi and Arshad Warsi and is set against the rugged backdrop of Bundelkhand.
Ghamasaan tells the story of Maharaj, a feared dacoit leader played by Warsi, and Aditya, an STF officer portrayed by Gandhi, who is assigned to capture him. As the officer delves deeper into Maharaj’s territory, the operation reveals political corruption, complicating what initially appears to be a straightforward manhunt. The film had been awaiting release for nearly two years before its digital premiere was finally announced.
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