Who Is Vikash Nowlakha? Dhurandhar Cinematographer Gets Heartfelt Shoutout From Aditya Dhar

Big films often come with big stars, but every once in a while, it’s someone behind the scenes who ends up being the real game-changer. As Dhurandhar and its sequel continue to dominate conversations, a cinematographer is getting attention as well.

Cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha has emerged as a key figure behind the visual storytelling of Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge, earning high praise from director Aditya Dhar. The filmmaker recently shared behind-the-scenes images from the shoot along with a heartfelt note acknowledging Nowlakha’s contribution.

Nowlakha is a seasoned director of photography in the Indian film industry. His body of work includes films such as Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Laapataa Ladies, and Brahmastra

Part One: Shiva. With Dhurandhar, he played a crucial role in defining the film’s visual tone and scale.

In his note, Dhar reflected on how Nowlakha joined the project at a critical moment. He wrote, “Here’s to Vikash Nowlakha, the eye, the instinct, and the soul behind Dhurandhar. He was the last HOD to come on board Dhurandhar. Just a few days before we began. And knowing how deeply selective he is, that timing meant everything. It felt less like onboarding a cinematographer, and more like destiny quietly stepping in at the right moment. I still remember what he said after reading the script, ‘I’ve waited 30 years to do a film like this. I’ll give my life to it.’ And he meant every word.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aditya Dhar (@adityadharfilms)

The director also detailed the demanding filming conditions, noting that the project required shooting what was effectively two films within tight timelines and budgets. Despite these challenges, Nowlakha remained consistent in his approach. “What followed was not just work, it was devotion. Through impossible schedules, through chaos that often felt unmanageable, through shooting what was essentially two films in the time and cost of one Vikash stood at the center of it all, steady and relentless. Carrying the weight of the film quite literally on his shoulders, pushing through the burning heat of Amritsar and the harsh cold of Leh, he never once let the vision falter,” Dhar wrote.

Beyond the technical aspects, Dhar emphasised Nowlakha’s ability to bring emotional depth to the visuals. “But what makes Vikash truly rare is not just his endurance, it’s the soul in his gaze. His eye for detail, his emotional intelligence behind the lens, his ability to understand not just what a scene looks like, but what it feels like, that is where his genius lies. Every frame in Dhurandhar breathes because he allowed it to. He didn’t just capture moments, he gave them life,” he wrote.

He further added, “His inputs on set were never loud, but always precise. Always truthful. Always elevating the film. There are many who shoot films. Vikash lived this one. And in doing so, he has given Dhurandhar something that cannot be manufactured, a soul.”

Concluding his note, Dhar expressed appreciation for both the artist and the collaborator. “I feel immense gratitude, respect, and affection for the artist he is, and the human being he brought into this journey. This film carries his imprint forever. And I know this is only the beginning, the stories we will tell together from here on will go even further, shine even brighter, and create something truly timeless,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its strong performance at the box office. The film is expected to cross the Rs 1,000 crore mark at the domestic net box office soon, with collections nearing Rs 990 crore in India as of Saturday. Globally, it has already surpassed Rs 1,500 crore, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.