Ranbir Kapoor Hails 'Dhurandhar' as a Cinematic Triumph: 'The Entire Cast and Crew Smashed It'

In a rare public declaration of his cinematic preferences, Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has unequivocally hailed the spy thriller 'Dhurandhar' as his current favorite film, offering effusive praise for what he describes as an all-around triumph. Despite his self-professed absence from personal social media platforms, Kapoor engaged with fans during a live session on a brand handle, where he didn't hold back in expressing his admiration for the December 2025 release. His endorsement, echoing sentiments from across the industry, further solidifies 'Dhurandhar's' position as a widely acclaimed success, starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role alongside a formidable ensemble cast. This notable commendation from one of Bollywood's most discerning actors provides a significant boost to the film's already considerable momentum, underscoring its impact on both critics and peers.

The Genesis of a Blockbuster: 'Dhurandhar's' Rise to Acclaim

'Dhurandhar,' released on December 5, 2025, quickly captivated audiences and critics alike, distinguishing itself with its high-octane energy, compelling performances, and memorable music. The film, a spy thriller featuring Ranveer Singh in a pivotal role, boasts an impressive ensemble cast including industry stalwarts like Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. According to Gulf News, Ranbir Kapoor's enthusiastic endorsement, stating that "the entire cast and crew really smashed it," highlights the collective excellence that drove the film's success. This kind of spontaneous praise from a contemporary like Kapoor is a powerful indicator of a film's quality and its ability to resonate within the industry. The film's widespread positive reception has been so profound that a second installment is already slated for release in mid-March, demonstrating the creators' confidence in its continued appeal and the strong audience demand it generated.

Ranbir Kapoor's Unreserved Praise and Industry Echoes

Ranbir Kapoor, typically guarded about his personal opinions, made a clear exception for 'Dhurandhar.' During a live fan interaction, he declared, “The last current favourite movie, I guess, was Dhurandhar. I absolutely loved that film. I think the entire cast and crew really smashed it, and really good times at the movies.” This candid appraisal, as reported by Gulf News, underscores the film's significant impact. It's not just Kapoor who is singing its praises; the article notes that "industry colleagues, including Alia Bhatt, have also praised the film, making Dhurandhar one of those rare movies everyone seems to be talking about." This widespread acclaim from within Bollywood signals a rare consensus on a film's quality. While Bollywood thrives on competitive dynamics, a unanimous nod of approval from A-list actors like Kapoor and Bhatt is a testament to 'Dhurandhar's' exceptional storytelling, direction, and performances. Such endorsements contribute significantly to a film's legacy and ongoing audience engagement, beyond its box office numbers, creating a cultural talking point.

The collective appreciation for 'Dhurandhar' can be contrasted with the speculative nature of other major industry news. For instance, reports about Deepika Padukone potentially joining 'The White Lotus' Season 4, as detailed by Bollywood Hungama, remain unofficial despite strong rumors. Similarly, Hrithik Roshan's response to 'Don 3' rumors, where he categorically denied being approached for the film, highlights the often-unreliable nature of unconfirmed reports in the entertainment world, a point made by News18. In this landscape of constant speculation, Kapoor's direct and enthusiastic praise for 'Dhurandhar' stands out as a concrete and impactful statement, lending undeniable credibility to the film's success. This clear endorsement from a major star like Kapoor, who rarely engages in such public commendations, distinguishes 'Dhurandhar' from the usual buzz and firmly places it in the realm of critically and commercially validated cinema.

Analysis: The Power of Peer Endorsement in Bollywood's Shifting Landscape

Ranbir Kapoor's unreserved praise for 'Dhurandhar' is more than just a casual compliment; it signifies a potent form of peer endorsement that holds considerable weight in the Bollywood ecosystem. In an industry often characterized by intense competition and occasional reticence to praise rivals, Kapoor's unequivocal admiration for a film starring Ranveer Singh speaks volumes. This gesture transcends mere film promotion; it underscores a growing trend of camaraderie and mutual respect among top-tier actors, potentially fostering a more collaborative environment. For audiences, such endorsements from leading stars can serve as a powerful metric of quality, often more influential than traditional critical reviews or box office figures alone. It suggests a shared recognition of artistic merit, elevating 'Dhurandhar' not just as a commercial success but as a film that truly impressed its most formidable critics: its peers.

Furthermore, this public acknowledgment by Kapoor subtly reflects the evolving dynamics within Bollywood. With the saturation of content across various platforms and the constant clamor for attention, a genuine endorsement from a star of Kapoor's stature can cut through the noise. It offers a powerful, organic marketing boost that money cannot buy. This isn't just about 'Dhurandhar's' success; it’s about the implicit message it sends regarding the pursuit of cinematic excellence. When actors celebrate each other's work, it often signals a shift towards valuing content and performance above individual celebrity, a healthy development for an industry constantly seeking to innovate and captivate global audiences. This kind of authentic appreciation can inspire other filmmakers and actors to push boundaries, knowing that their efforts are being recognized and celebrated by those who understand the craft best.

Ranbir Kapoor's Upcoming Slate and Broader Industry Buzz

While 'Dhurandhar' basks in critical and peer acclaim, Ranbir Kapoor himself has a packed schedule, reaffirming his status as one of Bollywood's busiest stars. He confirmed that 'Ramayana: Part 1,' directed by Nitesh Tiwari, will be his next big release this Diwali, where he is set to portray the iconic deity Ram. Following this, he will reunite with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for 'Love & War,' alongside Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, expected to hit screens next year. Completing his immediate lineup is 'Animal Park,' the sequel to his highly successful film 'Animal.' This robust slate of diverse projects showcases Kapoor's ambition and commitment to varied roles, as detailed by Gulf News. This extensive list of projects highlights not only Kapoor's star power but also the high-stakes dynamic of the Indian film industry, where top actors often juggle multiple big-budget ventures.

Meanwhile, the wider Bollywood landscape continues to generate headlines, from speculative casting news to direct denials. Deepika Padukone's ongoing rumored association with 'The White Lotus' Season 4 has resurfaced, with reports from Bollywood Hungama suggesting her involvement alongside Helena Bonham Carter and Chris Messina, with filming reportedly set for France. However, these reports remain unconfirmed, echoing previous unverified claims about her participation in Season 3. In contrast, Hrithik Roshan firmly put an end to rumors regarding his potential involvement in 'Don 3,' stating he was "never approached for the project." This explicit denial, covered by News18, comes amidst reports of tensions between Ranveer Singh and the film's producers. These concurrent developments paint a vivid picture of a vibrant, albeit often speculative, industry constantly in motion.

Looking Ahead: The Future Trajectory of Bollywood's Big Names

The success of 'Dhurandhar,' amplified by Ranbir Kapoor's strong endorsement, sets an intriguing precedent for how critical and peer appreciation can shape a film's enduring legacy and commercial viability. As the second installment of 'Dhurandhar' prepares for its mid-March release, the anticipation is palpable, not just among fans but within the industry itself, keen to see if it can replicate the widespread success and deep impact of its predecessor. Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor's formidable slate — 'Ramayana: Part 1,' 'Love & War,' and 'Animal Park' — positions him for a dominant run in the coming years. His diverse choices, from mythological epics to intense dramas and action sequels, reflect a strategic career path aimed at solidifying his artistic versatility and box-office appeal. The industry will closely watch how these ambitious projects fare, especially 'Ramayana,' which carries the weight of immense cultural expectations.

The unconfirmed yet persistent rumors surrounding Deepika Padukone and 'The White Lotus' signal Bollywood's increasing global aspirations and the desire of its stars to venture into international projects. Should her casting be confirmed, it would mark a significant moment for Indian talent on a prominent global platform, potentially opening doors for more cross-cultural collaborations. Conversely, the drama surrounding 'Don 3' and Hrithik Roshan's firm denial highlights the internal complexities and challenges faced by major franchises. The evolving narrative around these projects, whether confirmed or speculative, underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the entertainment business. As new stories unfold and established stars continue to define their paths, one thing remains certain: Bollywood will continue to be a hotbed of talent, ambition, and cinematic innovation, driven by both critical success and the powerful voices of its most influential figures.