Kunal Kohli Claims Film Industry Lacked Support for Dhurandhar
Allegations of Undermining in the Industry
Kunal Kohli, a prominent filmmaker recognized for his works such as Hum Tum and Fanaa, recently voiced his concerns regarding the support (or lack thereof) for Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, which was released in 2025. Despite its commercial success, having become the highest-grossing Hindi film domestically before being surpassed by its sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, Kohli claimed that many in the film industry secretly desired its failure.
During an interview on SCREEN Spotlight, Kohli revealed that several leading directors expressed doubts about Dhurandhar’s longevity at the box office. He quoted them saying, “Monday ko baith jayegi,” translating to “it will struggle on Monday.” Contrarily, he noted that the film continued to perform well beyond its opening weekend, despite the lack of industry backing.
Similar Experiences with Other Productions
Kohli also mentioned Anurag Singh’s Border 2, which features Sunny Deol, as another production that faced similar skepticism from industry insiders. Despite predictions of a decline, the film grossed over Rs 300 crore, marking it as a blockbuster. Kohli emphasized that support from the industry should not define a film’s success or failure.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Kohli drew parallels to the initial release of Hum Tum more than twenty years ago. At that time, he recalled only a few multiplexes like Adlabs hosting preview shows, and he shared that producer Aditya Chopra had advised him against attending the screening, fearing that industry attendees might not appreciate the film.
Hum Tum’s Journey to Success
Despite the initial lack of enthusiasm from industry professionals, Hum Tum ultimately achieved both critical and commercial acclaim. Kohli recounted a pivotal moment during the film’s release, where he received encouraging news from filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, who informed him that the film was full in its midday show in Indore, a sign of its unexpected success. Kohli reminisced about how Roshan reached out to him, offering congratulations, emphasizing the importance of such support in an industry where encouragement is often hard to find.
Support within the Industry
Kohli acknowledged that while there are some supportive figures in the industry, such as Rakesh Roshan, the majority may not share the same sentiment. He noted that although nearly everyone in the industry might appear to be supportive publicly, there exists a complex web of unspoken rivalries and agendas that can inhibit genuine support.
He expressed concerns about a culture that encourages unhealthy practices, such as block booking, where films are pre-sold to cinemas without genuine audience interest. Kohli criticized this practice, suggesting that filmmakers should instead foster a more encouraging environment for each other.
Emphasizing Encouragement
Finally, Kohli declared his commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers in the industry. He expressed how a simple congratulatory call can have a profound impact on a young director, just as it did for him when Rakesh Roshan reached out. Kohli’s experiences underscore a call for greater solidarity and encouragement within the film community. He remains hopeful for a shift towards more supportive practices among filmmakers.
