Three Paths Ahead: Aditya Dhar's Post-Dhurandhar Dilemma Gets More Intriguing

The most bankable director in Hindi cinema right now finds himself at a fascinating crossroads. Aditya Dhar has just delivered back-to-back ₹1000+ crore blockbusters with his Dhurandhar duology, making him only the second Indian filmmaker after Rajamouli to achieve this feat. But what comes after such unprecedented success? The answer isn't straightforward: and that's what makes it so compelling.

Industry sources suggest Dhar is seriously considering three distinct directions: reviving his shelved mythological project The Immortal Ashwatthama, crafting a historical epic around Chandragupta Maurya, or venturing into uncharted territory with a large-scale sports drama. Each option represents a dramatically different creative challenge, but all share Dhar's signature appetite for grand-scale storytelling.

The Ashwatthama revival story is particularly fascinating. Originally planned with Vicky Kaushal, the mythological superhero film was shelved in 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions and budgetary constraints. Dhar had sought ₹500 crores for the project: the same budget as Adipurush. But here's the twist: recent reports suggest Dhar may have moved on entirely from Ashwatthama, despite fan expectations, preferring to develop fresh material instead.

The sports drama angle is intriguing because it represents completely new territory for a director known for military action and espionage thrillers. If Dhar can bring his world-building mastery and technical precision to sports cinema, it could redefine the genre in Indian cinema. The man who made covert operations feel viscerally real could do wonders with athletic competition.

Then there's the Chandragupta Maurya project: a historical epic that would allow Dhar to explore ancient Indian warfare and political intrigue. Given his skill with complex narratives and ensemble casts, this feels like a natural evolution from his contemporary thrillers.

What's certain is that Dhar has renewed his first-look deal with Jio Studios for two years, ensuring strong backing for whatever direction he chooses. There's also speculation about another collaboration with Ranveer Singh, though both are taking their time to decide.

The smart money says Dhar won't rush into anything. After delivering two career-defining films in quick succession, he can afford to be selective. Whatever he chooses next will set the tone for the next phase of his career: and given his track record, it's bound to be ambitious.