‘Dhurandhar’ actor Naveen Kaushik backs gory violence shown in Ranveer Singh starrer: 'People do not have issues with Quentin Tarantino'

Violence in movies can be a tricky thing as it often draws quick criticism and splits people fast. ‘Dhurandhar’ got hit right away for its brutal scenes and tough-guy vibe. In a recent interview, Naveen Kaushik, who played the formidable Donga, says the violence is needed for the story, not just for looks.

Naveen Kaushik on violence as character

Naveen Kaushik opened up to Firstpost that the brutal gore and raw aggression shown in 'Dhurandhar' form the core of its story, as dialing them back would sap the strength from its characters and backdrop. Kaushik said, “You know what, I feel the gore and the violence in this film is a character in itself. From the angle of storytelling, to try and tell the world the kind of terrifying characters that Rehman Dakait and his gang, and Major Iqbal and his team were. You can not brush over the violence; you have to actually show how these are people.”

Naveen Kaushik on uneven criticism

Kaushik asked why Dhurandhar gets extra flak for violence when global cinema faces none. He said, “People do not have issues with Quentin Tarantino. But in all of his films, from Django Unchained to The Hateful Eight to Kill Bill, there is so much blood. But that is cinema.” He thinks the one-sided anger is wrong, “Ours is being criticised for it. I find that unfair. I do not disregard someone’s opinion, but I find the criticism unfair.”

Naveen Kaushik in ‘Dhurandhar’ overview

‘Dhurandhar’, a Hindi spy thriller helmed by Aditya Dhar, stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt in key roles. Jio Studios' production hit screens in December 2025, racking up massive box-office, marking Rs.1,220 crore globally despite violence backlash and Gulf bans. Part two gears up for an Eid release on March 19., clashing with Yash's 'Toxic.'