The Indian film industry is currently witnessing a tectonic shift in storytelling, and who better to analyze this evolution than the legendary veteran, Prem Chopra? With a career spanning decades, Chopra has seen the transition from the soulful narratives of the Rajesh Khanna era to the high-octane, gritty spectacles of today. Recently, the actor shared his candid thoughts on the record-breaking franchise ‘Dhurandhar’, its lead stars, and the rising tide of aggression in cinema.
### The ‘Trend’ of Aggressive Storytelling
Prem Chopra noted that the current surge in violent and loud cinema isn’t accidental—it’s a commercial necessity. “It’s a trend which is followed by people. Certain films become successful for certain reasons—because of action, fighting, loud dialogues. Then others start following that trend,” Chopra remarked. He acknowledged that while not everyone may appreciate the intensity, the box office numbers dictate the direction of the industry.
### Thoughts on ‘Dhurandhar’: Success with a Caveat
Speaking about Aditya Dhar’s mega-hit ‘Dhurandhar’, Chopra admitted he found the first installment engaging but suggested it was a bit stretched. While he understands that cinema is a commercial business and must cater to what the audience accepts, he offered a piece of seasoned advice. If he were in the director’s chair, Chopra says he would have suggested “going slow on the abuse and such things.” For him, while action is a draw, the excessive use of profanity is something he believes could be toned down without losing the film’s impact.
### High Praise for Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna
The veteran actor was full of admiration for the film’s leading men. Recalling Ranveer Singh’s early days, Chopra shared, “I used to see Ranveer Singh at a club—he was trying to get a break. I was amazed to see him perform.” He particularly lauded Ranveer’s work in ‘Dhurandhar 2’, calling it a “wonderful job.”
Chopra also highlighted Akshaye Khanna’s performance, noting that Khanna has a unique ability to connect with the masses. “His role was more towards the audience, playing to the gallery, so the acceptance was higher,” he explained, appreciating the actor’s impact on the franchise’s success.
### A Historic Milestone
Chopra’s comments come at a time when the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise has rewritten the history books. Starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, the series has officially crossed the ₹3,000 crore mark worldwide. This feat makes it the highest-grossing franchise in Indian cinema, overtaking legendary titles like the ‘Baahubali’ series, ‘KGF’, and ‘Pushpa’.
As Prem Chopra puts it, “Different kinds of films are made today. With time, everything changes.” While the veteran actor might prefer a bit more restraint in dialogue, there is no denying that ‘Dhurandhar’ has captured the pulse of a new generation of moviegoers.
