Tigmanshu Dhulia questions Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar: 'Is that a story?’

Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia has raised concerns about mainstream Hindi cinema's lack of original storytelling. He used Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar as an example of a shift towards spectacle and commercial formulas. Dhulia enjoyed the film's first installment, describing it as "very well presented, very engaging" and praising its "good use of music."

However, he questioned the simplicity of the underlying plot, asking if that constitutes a story. His comments extended beyond Dhurandhar, pointing to commercial successes like Pushpa, KGF, and Dhurandhar, which he felt share elements of a "fictional biopic" format. He attributed this tendency to the changing economics of the film industry and corporate thinking influencing creative decisions.

Dhulia believed filmmakers with unconventional ideas often struggled to secure backing due to concerns over their commercial potential. He argued there was only one template being followed in the industry. He also drew a parallel between the homogenization of popular culture and the disappearing character of cities. Using his hometown, Allahabad, as an example, he noted how it had transformed from a unique city to one that looked like any other, with the same malls, cars, and everything else.