Filmmaker Suparn S Varma, whose courtroom drama Haq earned critical acclaim, recently spoke out in support of fellow director Aditya Dhar amid discussions surrounding his upcoming film, Dhurandhar. Taking to social media, Suparn questioned viewers who criticized the film, highlighting a perceived bias in how audiences react to violence and action in Indian cinema compared to international films.

Haq director Suparn S Varma backs Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, urges audiences to embrace creative freedom and stop criticizing Hindi cinema for violence : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama

Haq director Suparn S Varma backs Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, urges audiences to embrace creative freedom and stop criticizing Hindi cinema for violence

In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Suparn emphasized the importance of giving filmmakers space to explore diverse genres and respecting their unique cinematic vision. “I believe everything in cinema has its own beauty, including violence. Take Brian De Palma’s Scarface—a classic. We grew up watching films like that and appreciate them. Today, if a filmmaker makes something intense or gory, audiences embrace it. There are filmmakers worldwide, including Martin Scorsese, who use violence thoughtfully in their films. So why criticize Aditya Dhar for his creative choices?” he remarked.

The discussion around Dhurandhar has gained traction ever since the trailer dropped, particularly the scene featuring Arjun Rampal’s character hovering over a prisoner with a hook dug into his body. The depiction of gore and violence, as well as the film’s portrayal of terrorists in Pakistan plotting against India, sparked online debates. Suparn defended the film, stressing that global conflicts cannot be ignored in cinema. He cited examples such as North and South Korea, pointing out that historical tensions and geopolitical realities often inspire storytelling. “Perspectives change, and history is history. Labelling it simply as ‘violent’ misses the point,” he said.

Suparn also spoke about what he perceives as a bias among Indian audiences when it comes to foreign films versus Hindi cinema. “When it comes to Hollywood or other international releases, audiences often suspend disbelief and accept creative choices. But for Hindi films, suddenly, there is a different lens applied, and people are quick to criticize,” he explained. He urged viewers to celebrate the diversity of Hindi cinema instead of focusing solely on perceived flaws. “We need to support filmmakers for the passion and vision with which their films are made. Criticism should be constructive, not just contrarian negativity. It’s highly unhealthy to drag films down just because it doesn’t match someone’s personal sensibility,” Suparn added.

Concluding his thoughts, he emphasized creative freedom: “Stop imposing your expectations on a film. This is how the director chose to tell the story, and that’s what makes it unique. Let’s respect that.”

With Dhurandhar set to release soon, Suparn’s message underscores a broader conversation about accepting diverse storytelling in Hindi cinema, encouraging audiences to approach films with an open mind and appreciation for the filmmaker’s craft.

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