Who is involved
The ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise has become a significant cinematic success in recent times, with its first installment grossing over Rs 1300 crore worldwide. The sequel, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, has surpassed Rs 1500 crore globally, rewriting box office records in Bollywood. However, prior to the recent acclaim, Vikash Nowlakha’s role in this success was not as widely recognized as it is today.
Before this development, the expectations surrounding the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise were primarily centered on its star-studded cast and the directorial vision of Aditya Dhar. The film’s commercial success was attributed to its engaging storyline and high production values. Yet, the contributions of Vikash Nowlakha, who joined the project just days before filming began, were largely underappreciated. His previous work on films like ‘Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year’, ‘Laapataa Ladies’, and ‘Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva’ had established him as a competent cinematographer, but his impact on ‘Dhurandhar’ was yet to be fully acknowledged.
The decisive moment came when Aditya Dhar publicly praised Vikash Nowlakha, stating that he “gave Dhurandhar its soul.” This acknowledgment marked a turning point, as it highlighted the foundational role Vikash played in the film’s execution. Dhar’s comments were echoed by actor Ranveer Singh, who referred to Vikash as the “unshakeable, unbreakable Rock of Dhurandhar!” This newfound recognition not only elevated Vikash’s status within the industry but also underscored the importance of behind-the-scenes talent in shaping cinematic narratives.
The immediate effects of this shift were palpable. Vikash Nowlakha’s contributions, which included emotional intelligence and meticulous attention to detail in cinematography, received widespread acclaim. Actor Naveen Kaushik praised his work ethic, further solidifying Vikash’s reputation as an indispensable asset to the ‘Dhurandhar’ team. The franchise’s massive global milestones have now become a testament to the collaborative effort that goes into filmmaking, where every role, no matter how behind-the-scenes, can significantly influence the final product.
Experts in the film industry have noted that this shift in recognition is crucial for the evolution of Bollywood. The emphasis on collaborative efforts and the acknowledgment of cinematographers like Vikash Nowlakha reflect a broader trend towards valuing the entire filmmaking process. As Aditya Dhar expressed a desire to collaborate with Vikash on future projects, it signals a promising direction for the industry, where creative partnerships are celebrated and nurtured.
Vikash Nowlakha himself has expressed his dedication to the craft, stating, “I’ve waited 30 years to do a film like this. I’ll give my life to it.” This passion resonates with audiences and industry professionals alike, reinforcing the notion that a film’s success is a collective achievement. The ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise, with its record-breaking box office performance, serves as a case study in how recognizing and valuing every contributor can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
As the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise continues to thrive, the spotlight on Vikash Nowlakha serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. The industry is evolving, and with it, the understanding that every role is vital to the storytelling process. Details remain unconfirmed regarding future projects, but the trajectory of this partnership suggests that audiences can expect more groundbreaking work from both Aditya Dhar and Vikash Nowlakha in the years to come.
