Vicky’s review is being hailed by trade analysts as a significant "seal of approval," especially given his history of delivering one of India's most iconic military dramas with the same filmmaker.
The Review: "So Shook, So Proud" ✍️
Vicky’s note was a heartfelt tribute to the "craft and sincerity" displayed in the sequel:
To Aditya Dhar: "I am so shook, so proud, and in absolute awe of the craft, hard work, and sincerity with which you have made this film. Nothing short of a gold standard. You deserve every bit of this success. Congratulations, bhai."
To Ranveer Singh: "@ranveersingh, you inspire me, brother. Your finesse and flair as an actor are unmatched. Honsla Eendhan Badla (Courage, Fuel, Revenge)."
Special Shoutouts: Vicky didn't miss the supporting cast, praising R. Madhavan as a "joy to watch" and giving a big hug to Rakesh Bedi, calling him "kamaal" (amazing). He also lauded the "genius editing" of Shivkumar Panicker.
The "Uri" Connection & Fan Theory 🎖️
The review has reignited a massive fan theory that has been circulating since the film's release:
The "Jaskirat" Link: In Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), Kirti Kulhari’s character, Seerat Kaur, mentions her husband, Jaskirat Singh Rangi, who died in an ambush.
The Theory: In Dhurandhar 2, Ranveer Singh’s character is also named Jaskirat Singh Rangi. Fans are convinced that the "Hamza" origin story is actually the "prequel" to the officer mentioned in Uri, potentially linking the two films into a shared "Aditya Dhar Spy Universe."
Vicky’s Reaction: While Vicky didn't confirm the theory in his review, his use of the phrase "Gold Standard" has fans hoping for a future crossover between his character, Vihaan Shergill, and Ranveer’s Hamza.
Celebrity "Dhurandhar" Leaderboard (April 1 Update)
Celebrity Key Comment Vicky Kaushal "Nothing short of the gold standard." Priyanka Chopra "Aditya Dhar is a man with a mission; the film is a revelation." Allu Arjun "Ranveer Singh rocked the show with his versatility." Alia Bhatt "The magic of the director and actor in complete sync!" Imtiaz Ali "Thank you for bringing audiences back to theaters."
SantaBanta Verdict:
Vicky Kaushal’s review carries weight because he knows exactly what it takes to make a grounded, high-stakes military thriller with Aditya Dhar. By calling it the "gold standard," he has effectively countered the "propaganda" labels and shifted the conversation back to the film's technical and acting brilliance.
