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Ram Gopal Varma Calls Toxic vs Dhurandhar Clash a "Brutal" Culture War

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has weighed in on the upcoming box office clash between Yash's 'Toxic' and Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar', set for March 19, 2026. He argues the face-off is not a regional battle but a "brutal clash" between two distinct cultures of cinema. RGV claims 'Dhurandhar' respects audience intelligence while 'Toxic' presumes their "dumbness," drawing a comparison to the mass appeal of 'KGF 2'. The high-profile clash is amplified by its release during the festive period of Eid, Gudi Padwa, and Ugadi.

Key Points: RGV on Toxic vs Dhurandhar Box Office Clash as Culture War

  • Box office clash set for March 19, 2026
  • RGV frames it as clash of cinematic cultures
  • Says Dhurandhar respects audience intelligence
  • Claims Toxic presumes audience "dumbness"
2 min read

Ram Gopal Varma calls 'Dhurandhar' vs 'Toxic' box office face-off a "brutal clash" between cinematic cultures

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma says the 2026 box office clash between Yash's Toxic and Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar is a "brutal" battle of cinematic cultures.

"It is actually a brutal clash between two CULTURES, not of regions, but of cinema. - Ram Gopal Varma"

Mumbai, February 22

Ram Gopal Varma, who is often known for his unfiltered opinions and fearless takes on cinema, has shared his thoughts on the big box office clash brewing for 2026.

Yash's 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups' and Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' are set to release in theatres on March 19, and the filmmaker took to his X account to share his thoughts on how he sees the face-off.

In his X post, RGV wrote that he feels this face-off should not be seen as North versus South or Bollywood versus Sandalwood but should be seen as a "brutal clash" between two different "cultures" of cinema.

"I strongly believe that #Dhuroxic is not about North versus South, not Bollywood versus Sandalwood. It is actually a brutal clash between two CULTURES, not of regions, but of cinema," RGV wrote.

"The principal difference between the two is that #Dhurandhar respects the audience's intelligence, while #Toxic presumes their dumbness. KGF 2 was a LOCAL film that aimed at the DUMBNESS in the MASSES, and Dhurandhar aimed at the INTELLIGENCE in the MASSES," he added.

Take a look at his full post

'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups' is written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. It will be released in theatres on March 19, 2026.

On the other hand, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge,' a sequel starring Ranveer Singh, is backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, with T-Series handling the music. The film will have a pan-India release in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. The release date also falls during Eid, Gudi Padwa, and Ugadi, adding to the buzz around the clash.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a huge Yash fan, I'm excited for Toxic! But RGV's comment about KGF 2 aiming at 'dumbness' feels disrespectful to the millions who loved that film. Mass entertainment has its own intelligence. Can't wait for March 2026!
R
Rohit P
Finally, a clash that's getting everyone talking! Releasing on Eid, Gudi Padwa, and Ugadi? Theatres are going to be packed. My money is on Ranveer's pan-India appeal with Dhurandhar, but Yash is a force of nature. What a time for Indian cinema!
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective from RGV. As someone who enjoys both Bollywood and South Indian films, I appreciate him moving beyond the North-South debate. However, framing it as a culture war within cinema itself might still be divisive. Can't we just enjoy two big films?
V
Vikram M
RGV always says something controversial for attention. Both films have massive budgets and stars. The real clash is for screen space during the festive season. Hope both do well and the industry benefits. Healthy competition is good.
K
Kavya N
Geetu Mohandas directing Toxic has me very intrigued! It's a different direction for Yash. RGV's "cultures of cinema" point is valid—one seems like a stylish, dark fairytale, the other a massy revenge drama. Audience tastes are diverse, so both can find their viewers. đŸ¤”

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