Mumbai:Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar: The Revenge has continued to generate buzz since its release in March, with its high-octane action sequences drawing widespread attention.
Now, a behind-the-scenes revelation about the film's climax has further amplified interest, highlighting the sheer scale and risk involved in executing one of its most explosive scenes.
According to SFX supervisor Vishal Tyagi, the makers chose to avoid computer-generated imagery (CGI) entirely for the climactic explosion, instead opting for a practical, real-time blast involving large quantities of fuel and explosives.
In a recent podcast interaction with Hindi Rush, Vishal Tyagi revealed that director Aditya Dhar was determined to keep the action sequences as realistic as possible, particularly the film's final explosion.
'Aditya Dhar said he did not want to use CGI, especially for explosions. The final tanker blast was the toughest and came with the biggest safety concerns,' Vishal said.
The scene reportedly involved nearly 500 litres of petrol, making it one of the most ambitious practical explosion sequences attempted in recent Indian cinema. Unlike digitally enhanced blasts, every fragment and flame seen on screen was real, adding to the authenticity of the sequence.
The scale of the explosion meant that safety was a major concern for the crew, especially with lead actor Ranveer Singh positioned close to the blast during filming.
Vishal admitted he was particularly anxious about ensuring the actor's safety throughout the sequence.
'Ranveer was walking in close proximity to the explosion. We had to carefully plan everything and clearly mark where he could start walking so that the flames would not reach him,' he explained.
Despite the inherent risks, the stunt was executed successfully, thanks to meticulous planning and coordination among the crew members.
Interestingly, while the crew remained tense, Ranveer Singh reportedly stayed calm throughout the shoot. Vishal attributed this to the actor's trust in the technical team and their preparations.
The actor followed all safety instructions precisely, allowing the crew to carry out the complex stunt with confidence. His composure under pressure played a key role in ensuring the smooth execution of the sequence.
After the shoot, Ranveer was said to have praised Vishal and the team for their efforts, acknowledging the scale and precision required to pull off such a demanding scene.
Vishal also shed light on the immense production pressure surrounding the sequence. The team used real train bases and containers to create a realistic setup for the explosion.
While the production initially suggested using around 250 litres of fuel, Vishal insisted on doubling the quantity to achieve the desired visual impact.
'To get the right effect, we used about 500 litres of petrol and added around 25 kilos of explosives in each tank,' he revealed.
This decision, though challenging, ultimately contributed to the grandeur and realism of the climax, making it one of the standout moments of the film.
The sequence required extensive planning, coordination, and precision, with multiple safety checks in place. Even actors like Arjun Rampal, who were initially part of the shot, were asked to step away before the explosion was executed to minimise risk.
After filming, members of the cast and crew stayed back to witness the blast, underscoring the anticipation and significance of the moment.
Vishal described the experience as a culmination of intense effort, stating that the team had put in their 'blood and sweat' to bring the scene to life.
Dhurandhar: The Revenge serves as a sequel continuing the story of Hamza Ali Mazari and his pursuit of Major Iqbal, picking up from the cliffhanger of the first instalment.
The film features a strong ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, alongside Ranveer Singh in a pivotal role.
Released on March 19, the film has been noted for its gritty storytelling and large-scale action sequences.
The decision to execute a real explosion involving 500 litres of petrol without relying on CGI reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema towards practical effects and realism. While such ambitious stunts come with significant risks, the successful execution of the Dhurandhar climax highlights the importance of planning, expertise, and trust between actors and crew. For audiences, it adds an extra layer of authenticity to an already gripping cinematic experience.