The success of Dhurandhar continues to spark conversations across the entertainment industry, even weeks after its OTT release. The action drama, directed by Aditya Dhar, has not only impressed audiences but also drawn admiration from several Bollywood personalities. Among them, veteran actress Raveena Tandon recently shared a surprising and heartwarming reaction after watching the film — she apologised to Yami Gautam, and her reason has caught fans’ attention.
A Lighthearted Yet Honest Apology
During a podcast interaction, Raveena Tandon revealed that she personally called Yami Gautam after watching the film. Her apology, however, was playful and filled with admiration rather than regret. Raveena admitted that she had become a huge fan of Yami’s husband, Aditya Dhar, after witnessing his storytelling and cinematic execution in Dhurandhar.
She praised Dhar for bringing back what she believes audiences have been missing in mainstream commercial cinema — powerful hero-driven storytelling rooted in national themes. According to Raveena, films like Pushpa: The Rise and K.G.F: Chapter 1 created a wave of larger-than-life heroes, and Dhurandhar successfully continues that legacy. She highlighted how viewers today are connecting strongly with films that portray heroes addressing national challenges and social issues with conviction.
Her candid statement reflected the growing appreciation within Bollywood for directors who deliver mass appeal while maintaining strong storytelling depth.
Praise for the Star Cast and Performances
Raveena didn’t limit her praise to just the director. She was equally impressed by the film’s lead actor, Ranveer Singh, who plays a fierce and patriotic character in Dhurandhar. She recalled how Ranveer had once been a young admirer of her work, adding a nostalgic touch to her reaction. Seeing him evolve into a performer capable of carrying such an intense and demanding role left her deeply impressed.
She also acknowledged the strong ensemble cast, including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Raveena highlighted how each actor contributed depth and intensity, strengthening the film’s narrative impact. Supporting actors like Rakesh Bedi and Gaurav Gera were also appreciated for adding emotional and dramatic layers to the storyline.
The Story That Struck a Chord
Dhurandhar is inspired by real-life security operations, though it blends factual inspiration with fictional storytelling. Ranveer Singh’s character is believed to draw inspiration from Mohit Sharma, a decorated Indian Army officer. However, filmmakers clarified that the character is a fictional creation rather than a direct biographical portrayal.
The film explores counter-terrorism missions and national security themes, offering high-intensity action along with emotional storytelling. This combination has resonated strongly with audiences across theatrical and OTT platforms. After its theatrical success, the film gained a fresh audience upon its release on Netflix, further strengthening its popularity.
Box Office Triumph and Industry Impact
Dhurandhar has reportedly crossed ₹1,000 crore in domestic gross collections, making it one of the biggest Hindi film successes in recent times. The film also marks a major milestone for Aditya Dhar, whose earlier directorial, Uri: The Surgical Strike, set a benchmark for patriotic action dramas.
With Dhurandhar, Dhar appears to have expanded his cinematic vision while reinforcing his signature storytelling style. The film’s success signals that audiences continue to respond strongly to emotionally charged patriotic narratives combined with high production value and strong performances.
Why Raveena’s Reaction Matters
Raveena Tandon’s appreciation reflects more than just admiration for a film. It highlights a broader shift in audience and industry expectations, where strong storytelling, emotional connection, and impactful hero portrayals are gaining renewed importance. Her playful apology to Yami Gautam also showcases the mutual respect and camaraderie shared within the film fraternity.
As Dhurandhar continues to gain viewership and spark discussions, its influence on future Bollywood storytelling trends could be significant. The film’s reception suggests that audiences are actively seeking cinema that blends entertainment with powerful emotional and national themes — and Dhurandhar seems to have delivered exactly that.