Ameesha Patel has sparked a fresh debate in Bollywood while praising Dhurandhar 2, the Ranveer Singh-led blockbuster dominating the box office. Calling the film an “eye opener,” she didn’t just applaud its success—she questioned the industry’s growing obsession with influencer casting. As Dhurandhar 2 continues its dream run, her remarks have struck a nerve across the film fraternity.
Ameesha Patel’s reaction to Dhurandhar 2 goes beyond routine celebrity praise. Taking to X on Tuesday evening, she applauded director Aditya Dhar’s vision while delivering a pointed critique of how films are increasingly being made in the industry.
She wrote that the film deserves every accolade, however, she also stressed that Dhar “made a film and not a project.” That distinction stood out. It hinted at a deeper frustration brewing within sections of Bollywood.
Why Ameesha Patel’s Dhurandhar 2 comment matters
Notably, Ameesha didn’t hold back while addressing casting trends. She emphasised that Dhar chose “actors and not Instagrammers who trend at parties,” a line that has since triggered widespread discussion online.
Meanwhile, her comment arrives at a time when influencer-driven visibility often shapes casting decisions. Yet, Dhurandhar 2 seems to have flipped that formula. The film relies heavily on performance-driven roles rather than social media popularity.
This shift is significant. It suggests that audiences may be rewarding substance over hype.
Dhurandhar 2 box office success backs the argument
The numbers reinforce that argument. Dhurandhar 2 has already crossed ₹563 crore within days of release, turning into one of the biggest box office juggernauts in recent times.
Additionally, the film’s success has drawn praise from across industries. From Alia Bhatt and Kangana Ranaut to Allu Arjun and Mahesh Babu, several prominent names have publicly celebrated the film.
However, it was Rajinikanth’s reaction that added a defining moment. Calling it a “must watch for every Indian,” he elevated the film’s cultural impact beyond just numbers.
In response, Aditya Dhar expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling Rajinikanth the ultimate benchmark for entertainment. That exchange quickly gained traction online.
What makes Dhurandhar 2 different from typical Bollywood projects?
Beyond the box office, the film’s foundation sets it apart. Set in Lyari, Karachi, the narrative blends underworld drama with geopolitical tensions rooted in real events like the Kandahar hijack and the 26/11 attacks.
Furthermore, the sequel dives into the transformation of Ranveer Singh’s character—from Jaskirat Singh Rangi to Hamza Ali Mazari—adding emotional depth to the action-heavy storyline.
The casting also plays a crucial role. While established names like Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna anchor the film, several underrated actors bring unexpected authenticity to the narrative.
Here’s the difference. It feels lived-in.
That authenticity, in turn, aligns with Ameesha’s core argument—films succeed when storytelling leads, not trends.
Is Bollywood witnessing a shift after Dhurandhar 2?
The larger question now is whether Dhurandhar 2 signals a turning point. Bollywood has long leaned on star power and digital clout, however, this film’s success suggests a recalibration may be underway.
Additionally, audiences today are more discerning. They reward compelling narratives and strong performances over superficial appeal.
Ameesha Patel’s remarks, therefore, land at the right moment. They reflect an industry at a crossroads—between chasing virality and crafting cinema that endures.
Dhurandhar 2 is not just a box office success—it is shaping a conversation. As voices like Ameesha Patel push for change, the industry may need to rethink its priorities in the face of evolving audience expectations.
