Ram Gopal Varma declares end of ‘hero-as-god’ cinema

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has made a bold statement about the future of Indian cinema following the release of “Dhurandhar 2.” Having earlier predicted that the sequel would redefine commercial filmmaking, RGV now says the film’s reception signals a major shift in audience preferences.

Varma, who has been praising director Aditya Dhar since the first installment released in December 2025, took to social media to share a strong opinion. According to him, the success of “Dhurandhar 2” proves that audiences are moving away from gravity-defying stunts and larger-than-life heroes portrayed as invincible gods.

He wrote that when viewers see a protagonist driven by intelligence rather than brute strength, the traditional “style-over-substance” cinema begins to look outdated. Calling the film a “verdict,” RGV suggested it marks the end of exaggerated, visually bloated storytelling that underestimates audience intelligence.

In his characteristic blunt tone, Varma added that Aditya Dhar has effectively dismantled a formula that relied heavily on spectacle over substance, turning heroes into deities and audiences into passive followers.

His remarks have sparked fresh debate online about whether “Dhurandhar 2” truly signals a turning point in mainstream Indian cinema.