‘Conviction of the director is paramount’: Priyadarshan praises Aditya Dhar and Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Legendary filmmaker Priyadarshan has offered a glowing tribute to his former assistant-turned-blockbuster director Aditya Dhar, admitting that the student has now officially outshone the teacher.

In a conversation with India Today ahead of the release of his upcoming project Bhooth Bangla, the veteran director reflected on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema and the "fearless" nature of the new generation.

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The Friday night jitters

Despite a career spanning nearly half a century, Priyadarshan confessed that the passage of time hasn't numbed the nerves associated with a theatrical debut. "Even after 40 or 50 years, the tension remains the same," he remarked. "The first forty-eight hours are the judge and jury of your work. You are constantly waiting to see if the audience accepts your vision or rejects it."

Defying the rulebook

The Hera Pheri director highlighted a shift in cinematic bravery, specifically naming Sandeep Reddy Vanga (director of Animal) and Aditya Dhar as those who defy industry norms. Priyadarshan expressed particular astonishment at their ability to sell ultra-long narratives to wary producers.

"Making a four-hour film goes against the established theory of a 'hit' movie. I asked them where this confidence comes from, and they simply said, 'It will work, Sir.' It is that unwavering conviction of a director that changes the game."

From assistant to record-breaker

Aditya Dhar, who cut his teeth in the industry assisting Priyadarshan on films like Aakrosh and Tezz, was praised for his observant nature. Priyadarshan noted that filmmaking is rarely "taught" in a traditional sense but is absorbed through observation—a craft Aditya has clearly mastered.

"He has done things better than me," Priyadarshan stated, citing the immense success of Dhar's latest venture.

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The praise comes at a pivotal moment for Dhar. His latest directorial effort, Dhurandhar 2—an ensemble powerhouse featuring Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal—continues its relentless march at the box office, dismantling long-standing records and cementing his status as one of the industry's most formidable creative forces.

Priyadarshan’s next outing, the highly anticipated Bhooth Bangla, is set to hit cinemas on April 10. (With inputs from Agencies)