Paresh Rawal Takes Indirect Jibe At Critics Amid Dhurandhar Row: ‘Hope They Grow Up’

Paresh Rawal has once again stirred conversation, this time with an indirect yet pointed jibe at film critics that quickly set social media buzzing. The veteran actor’s remark came amid the growing debate around Dhurandhar, a film that has triggered widespread reactions from fans, critics and filmmakers.

It all began when filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma took to X to post a long note praising Dhurandhar. In his post, Varma described the film as a wake-up call for Indian cinema, applauding its refusal to glorify the hero and its psychologically grounded approach to violence. He also highlighted Ranveer Singh’s willingness to step back for Akshaye Khanna’s character and credited director Aditya Dhar for treating cinema as “confrontation, not consumption.”

He wrote, “The narrative moves like real life, uneven, impulsive, sometimes abrupt, rejecting neat rises and cathartic payoffs. It trusts the audience’s intelligence unapologetically. No spoon feeding, no emotional underlining. Meaning is discovered, not delivered.”

Reacting to Varma’s post, Paresh Rawal chimed in with a comment that many believe was a dig at critics. He wrote, “Hey Ramu, thanks for teaching our so-called CRITICS how to review a film! Hope they grow up!”

Here are some unique lessons that all the so called film makers can learn from Dhurandhar

1.Unlike the other so called pan india big films , the film doesn’t even try to elevate the hero and give him the so called elevation moments to make the audience forcefully worship him…

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) December 19, 2025

When Paresh Rawal Called Out Anupama Chopra

While Rawal didn’t name anyone, the Internet quickly connected the dots, interpreting his words as a swipe at senior film critic Anupama Chopra. She had reviewed Dhurandhar as an “exhausting, relentless and frenzied espionage thriller propelled by charismatic, murderous men, too much testosterone, shrill nationalism and inflammatory anti-Pakistan narratives.”

Her negative advance sparked intense backlash online, with many accusing her of bias and missing the film’s intent. Paresh, at that time, had also responded directly to Chopra’s criticism, asking him, “Aren’t you tired of being Miss Irrelevant?”

Dhurandhar Keeps Internet Abuzz

Despite the criticism, Dhurandhar has become one of the biggest hits of the year. Praised for its gripping storytelling and standout performances, the spy thriller stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi and Danish Pandor in pivotal roles.

Set in Pakistan, Dhurandhar arrived in theatres on December 5 whereas the second installment of the spy thriller is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. It is directed by Aditya Dhar.