Aditya Dhar reflects on filmmaking journey as Uri: The Surgical Strike completes 7 years

aditya dhar uri

• Director Aditya Dhar celebrates 7 years since Uri: The Surgical Strike's release.
• Dhar credits Uri's success for changing his life and shaping Indian war cinema
• Dhar's latest film Dhurandhar breaks box office records, boosting his reputation

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Aditya Dhar celebrated a milestone on January 11, 2026, as his breakthrough war-drama Uri: The Surgical Strike completed seven years since its release in 2019 — a project he says “changed my life forever.”

Taking to his Instagram Story, he wrote: "My first film, Uri, released that day. I had waited a long time for that moment. My dream finally became a reality. The intent was clear from the beginning. To make a brave, bold film that could signal a new phase in our cinema. To tell an Indian story with international standards. I remind myself often to never forget where it all began. Beginnings keep you grounded and hungry. Filmmaking is a hard, unforgiving journey, full of doubt and long nights. But when the audience shows up and embraces your work, every struggle suddenly makes sense. That feeling makes it all worth it."

Re-sharing a scene from the movie, he added, "Seven years on, and the josh remains just as high. Major Vihaan and his team continue to inspire, on screen and beyond. Celebrating #7YearsOfUriTheSurgicalStrike"

Uri: The Surgical Strike, starring Vicky Kaushal as Major Vihaan Singh Shergill, went on to become one of the biggest Indian war blockbusters of its time and won both Dhar and Kaushal National Awards for their contributions. The film’s success not only established Dhar’s directorial reputation but also influenced the genre’s dominance in mainstream Indian cinema.

Also read: Uri director Aditya Dhar shares special message for Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif as they reveal baby boy Vihaan's name: "Life really has come full circle"

The anniversary comes at a high point for Dhar, whose recent film Dhurandhar — a spy thriller starring Ranveer Singh — has shattered box office records and emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian films, further cementing Dhar’s standing as a filmmaker capable of delivering both commercial and critical hits.