The Indian film industry is witnessing a rare and powerful show of solidarity between two of its most unapologetic filmmakers. Aditya Dhar, the director of the record-breaking blockbuster Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has issued a heartfelt response to Sandeep Reddy Vanga, after the Animal director took to social media to lash out at critics and praise the film’s “outstanding” execution.
The exchange began after Vanga attended a special screening of the film at Allu Cinemas in Hyderabad, accompanied by the “Rebel Star” Prabhas. Known for his fiery personality and fierce defense of his cinematic vision, Vanga did not hold back in his assessment of the film’s detractors, sparking a massive conversation across digital platforms.
Following the screening, Sandeep Reddy Vanga posted a blistering critique on X (formerly Twitter), aimed at those who have labelled the film as “propaganda.” Vanga, who has often been at the center of critical storms himself, stood firmly behind the film’s authenticity.
“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 labelled as propaganda… strange times.”
Coming to the point, Vanga addressed Aditya Dhar and lead actor Ranveer Singh directly, using a vivid metaphor to describe the “evil eye” (kaala drishti) currently focused on the project. He suggested that a “handful of red chilies” wouldn’t suffice to ward off the negativity; instead, the “entire field must be burned.” He concluded his post by simply stating: “Watched #Dhurandhar2 The Revenge last night… Outstanding film.”
Mere Pyaare Sandeep,
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.
I’ve always looked up to how you back your cinema without any doubt or noise.
That kind of…— Aditya Dhar (@AdityaDharFilms) April 9, 2026
Reacting to the viral post, Aditya Dhar expressed his deep admiration for Vanga’s “honesty and belief.” Dhar, who has consistently maintained that Dhurandhar is a film rooted in reality, found a kindred spirit in Vanga’s uncompromising stance.
“Mere Pyaare Sandeep,” Dhar began his response. “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. I’ve always looked up to how you back your cinema without any doubt or noise.”
Dhar went on to highlight how Vanga’s conviction serves as a reminder for all filmmakers to trust their own voices regardless of the “noise” generated by critics. He also ensured to send his regards to Prabhas and extended his best wishes for Vanga’s upcoming project, Spirit.
The screening at Allu Cinemas in Hyderabad added further weight to the film’s success. Having Prabhas watch the film alongside Vanga signals a strong endorsement from the South Indian film fraternity, bridging the gap between Bollywood and Tollywood.
The camaraderie between Aditya Dhar and Sandeep Reddy Vanga represents a shift in how filmmakers handle criticism. By standing together, they are challenging the traditional “gatekeepers” of film criticism and speaking directly to the audience. As Dhurandhar continues its record-breaking run, this endorsement from the Animal director might just be the “red chili” the film needed to burn down its detractors.
