Aditya Dhar Lauds Cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha for 'Dhurandhar'; Director Credits 30-Year Wait and Artistic Devotion for Ranveer Singh Starrer’s Visual Soul

Director Aditya Dhar has publicly lauded cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha for his pivotal role in the cinematic success of the film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh. In an introspective social media post shared on Sunday, the National Award-winning filmmaker credited Nowlakha’s "30 years of patience" and artistic devotion for defining the visual language of the high-stakes action thriller.

Aditya Dhar described the cinematographer as the "eye, instinct, and soul" of the project, revealing that Nowlakha was the final Head of Department (HOD) to join the crew, signing on just days before principal photography commenced. Despite the late entry, the director noted that the collaboration felt like a "quiet intervention of destiny." ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Box Office Collection Day 18: Ranveer Singh’s Thriller Nears INR 1,000 Crore Mark in India.

Aditya Dhar With Cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha

 

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A post shared by Aditya Dhar (@adityadharfilms)

Aditya Dhar Recalls Cinematographer’s 30-Year Wait

According to the filmmaker, Nowlakha expressed a deep emotional connection to the script immediately upon reading it. Aditya Dhar shared that the cinematographer told him he had waited three decades for a project of this calibre, vowing to dedicate himself entirely to the vision. The director remarked that this was not merely a professional commitment but a form of "spiritual practice" or sadhana.

The production of Dhurandhar was reportedly a grueling undertaking, involving the logistical challenge of shooting the equivalent of two films within the budget and timeframe of one. Aditya Dhar highlighted Nowlakha’s resilience as a "rock-solid" presence amidst the operational chaos of a massive film set.

Extreme Weather Challenges Met by Aditya Dhar’s Team

The filming took the crew through contrasting geographical extremes, from the scorching heat of Amritsar to the sub-zero temperatures of Leh. Aditya Dhar emphasized that Nowlakha literally carried the weight of the film on his shoulders, ensuring the visual integrity of the project remained uncompromised despite the physical toll of the environments.

The director praised Nowlakha’s "emotional intelligence behind the lens," stating that his genius lies in his ability to capture how a scene feels rather than just how it looks. Aditya Dhar noted that the cinematographer’s inputs were always precise and understated, yet they consistently elevated the quality of the storytelling.

The Lasting Visual Legacy of Aditya Dhar and Vikash Nowlakha

Reflecting on the final product, Aditya Dhar stated that every frame of Dhurandhar "breathes" because of the freedom Nowlakha provided to the visuals. He expressed immense gratitude for the cinematographer's contribution, asserting that Nowlakha did not just shoot the film but "lived" it. ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Box Office Collection Day 15: Ranveer Singh Starrer Hits INR 1,492 Crore Worldwide; Becomes 4th Highest-Grossing Indian Film.

The director concluded by suggesting that this collaboration is only the beginning of a long-term creative partnership. Aditya Dhar believes the stories they tell in the future will continue to push cinematic boundaries, leaving a timeless imprint on Indian cinema.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 05, 2026 08:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).