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Blockbuster Film “Dhurandhar” Surpasses 900 Crore Mark Amid Critical Controversy
The spy thriller “Dhurandhar” continues its extraordinary box office performance, crossing the 900-crore mark in just 19 days of its theatrical release. Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and Ranveer Singh, the film has resonated strongly with audiences nationwide while simultaneously sparking intense debate among critics and commentators.
The film’s commercial success has been accompanied by a growing controversy over its content and messaging. Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee recently published a video critique of the film, describing it as “well-made propaganda” and suggesting that its engaging nature makes its narrative particularly influential.
“Films like The Taj Story and The Bengal Films were not dangerous, because they were bad films. But Dhurandhar is an engaging film,” Rathee stated in his video. He expressed concern that the film blends real events with fictional elements in a way that audiences might interpret as entirely factual.
While Dhar has not directly addressed Rathee’s criticism, he reshared an Instagram story that appeared to respond to the controversy: “A video maker tried to criticise it recently and got swept away by a wave of criticism against him. Dhurandhar is a craze today. A tsunami which will sweep away any other release in its path. A tsunami which will roll into 2026. It is not going to stop soon.”
The film’s storyline incorporates actual footage from the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and uses authentic audio recordings of conversations between terrorists and their handlers. It also references real-life gangsters and law enforcement officials operating in Pakistan’s Lyari district, creating a narrative that weaves historical events with fictional storytelling elements.
Industry analysts note that “Dhurandhar” represents a growing trend in Indian cinema that tackles geopolitical issues with a nationalistic perspective. The film’s commercial success—approaching the coveted 1,000 crore milestone—indicates substantial audience appetite for content that addresses India-Pakistan relations through the lens of national security concerns.
The controversy surrounding the film highlights the ongoing tension in Indian media between entertainment, political messaging, and historical representation. Prior to Rathee’s critique, news portal The Wire had published an article characterizing the film’s portrayal of Pakistani terrorism as “rage-bait” and “bloodlust.”
The film industry has seen similar debates with previous releases that touch on sensitive geopolitical topics, but “Dhurandhar” stands out for both its commercial performance and the intensity of the discourse it has generated.
Entertainment trade analysts predict the film will continue its strong performance through the coming weeks, potentially setting new benchmarks for the spy thriller genre in Indian cinema. The controversy may have inadvertently boosted audience interest, with social media discussions about the film’s content driving additional viewership.
The success of “Dhurandhar” comes at a time when Indian cinema is increasingly exploring nationalistic themes and historical events, reflecting broader cultural and political currents in the country. Industry observers suggest the film’s performance may influence future production decisions, potentially leading to more content addressing similar themes.
As “Dhurandhar” continues its theatrical run, the conversation around the film’s representation of complex geopolitical issues seems likely to persist, highlighting the significant role cinema plays in shaping public discourse on matters of national security and international relations.
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9 Comments
It’s great to see a commercially successful film, but the debate around ‘Dhurandhar’ highlights the importance of responsible storytelling. Blending real events and fiction is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration of the potential impact on viewers.
The box office success of ‘Dhurandhar’ is impressive, but the concerns about its potential to mislead viewers are valid. Thoughtful handling of real events in fictional narratives is crucial, especially for impactful films. Hoping for a constructive dialogue on this.
Audiences should be able to distinguish fact from fiction, even in an engaging film. Transparency from the filmmakers could help address the worries raised and find a middle ground.
Interesting debate around this film. While it’s commercially successful, some critics raise valid concerns about blending fact and fiction in a way that could mislead audiences. Curious to see how the filmmakers respond to these criticisms.
The director’s decision to not directly address the critique is noteworthy. Transparency and engaging with feedback, even if critical, can help build trust with the audience.
I appreciate the commercial success of ‘Dhurandhar’ but also understand the worries about its potential to spread disinformation. Blending real events and fictional elements is a delicate balance that filmmakers need to handle with care.
It’s good to see this discussion happening. Audiences deserve accurate information, even in an entertaining format. Hoping the filmmakers will address the concerns raised in a meaningful way.
This is a complex issue with valid points on both sides. On one hand, the film’s commercial success suggests it has resonated with audiences. On the other, the concerns about blurring fact and fiction are understandable. Transparent dialogue is key to finding the right balance.
I agree that the director’s apparent reluctance to directly engage with the critique is curious. Open communication can help build trust and understanding, even in the face of criticism.