The team behind Aditya Dhar's blockbuster film Dhurandhar has made a bold statement by rejecting an award from The Hollywood Reporter India. This decision comes after the magazine gave the film a negative review last December, which sparked widespread criticism from netizens. The film, starring Ranveer Singh, had received a sensational response from audiences and became a massive blockbuster at the box office, earning over ₹1200 crore globally.
The controversy began when Anupama Chopra, a prominent film critic, panned the film in her review, calling it "exhausting, relentless, and frenzied". The review was later taken down from YouTube, reportedly due to backlash from fans and the film's supporters. The Film Critics Guild condemned the online attacks on reviewers, stating that they had faced intimidation and harassment for expressing their professional opinions.
At The Hollywood Reporter India's awards event, Dhurandhar was announced as one of the special awardees, but none of the film's team members attended the ceremony to receive the award. Host Neha Dhupia acknowledged the film's impressive box office performance, saying it was a "rare feat in today's times" and a testament to its popularity.
The team behind Dhurandhar has received widespread support from fans, who see their decision as a stand for self-respect and creative freedom. The film's success and the controversy surrounding its review have sparked a debate about film criticism and the power of online mobs. Dhurandhar's sequel is set to release on March 19, 2026, and fans are eagerly awaiting its trailer.