Filmmaker Aditya Dhar kept the focus on Article 370 while attending the 72nd National Film Awards in Gujarat. However, his brief comments about Dhurandhar have drawn attention to the possibility of another National Award appearance next year.
Dhar attended the ceremony at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, on September 22 with his wife, actor Yami Gautam. Article 370, which Dhar produced, won the Best Feature Film award. Moreover, Gautam received the Best Actress honour for her performance in the film. Asked about Dhurandhar during a red-carpet interaction, Dhar avoided discussing the film in detail.
Instead, he pointed back to the film being celebrated that evening.“We are here for Article 370. We’ll discuss Dhurandhar, hopefully, if we come next year also.
But today, it’s all about Article 370,” Dhar said. His remark has been interpreted as a hint that he hopes Dhurandhar could return him to the National Film Awards in 2027.
However, Dhar did not make any announcement about a future award or confirm that the film would receive recognition.
Article 370 Takes Three National Awards
The National Film Awards ceremony marked a significant evening for Dhar and Gautam.
Article 370 won three awards. It received Best Feature Film, Gautam won Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Shashwat Sachdev won Best Music Direction for Songs.
Dhar accepted the Best Feature Film award, while Gautam received her acting honour from President Droupadi Murmu. For Gautam, the award marked her first National Film Award.
She described the honour as the biggest validation an artist can receive. Furthermore, she said she was still trying to absorb the significance of the moment.
The ceremony recognised films from the 2024 eligibility period. This is important for Dhurandhar, as the film was released later and therefore falls into a different awards cycle.
Why Dhurandhar Could Be Eligible Next Year
Dhurandhar was released in 2025. This means it was not part of the films considered for the 72nd National Film Awards, which recognised the 2024 film year.
The film could therefore be considered for a subsequent National Film Awards edition, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.
Its 2026 sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, would fall into a later eligibility period.
Dhar’s comment therefore appears to refer to the possibility of returning to the awards ceremony when Dhurandhar becomes eligible.
He did not provide details about what he expects from the film’s awards prospects.
Dhar’s National Award History
The latest recognition adds another National Award to Dhar’s career. He previously won the National Film Award for Best Director for Uri: The Surgical Strike.
With Article 370 now receiving Best Feature Film, Dhar has been recognised at the National Film Awards for two different films.
Article 370 also represents Dhar’s role as a producer, while Aditya Suhas Jambhale directed the film.
The 2024 film centres on the political developments surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. It stars Yami Gautam in the lead role.
Dhurandhar Remains Under Attention
Dhar’s comments come after the Dhurandhar films have become major talking points in Hindi cinema.
The franchise stars Ranveer Singh and features an ensemble cast. Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the second instalment, was released in 2026.
Despite the attention around the franchise, Dhar chose not to discuss its future in detail at the National Film Awards.
His comments were instead focused on the achievements of Article 370 and Gautam.
The filmmaker’s decision to keep the discussion centred on the award-winning film also means that details about his next project remain limited.
For now, his most direct indication about the future is that he hopes to return to the National Film Awards next year. This time, Dhurandhar could potentially be in consideration.
Whether the film ultimately receives a nomination or award will depend on the National Film Awards selection process. It will also depend on jury decisions in the relevant eligibility cycle.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
