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Aditya Dhar Responds Indirectly to Criticism as ‘Dhurandhar’ Surpasses ₹900 Crore Globally
Ranveer Singh-starrer “Dhurandhar” has cemented its place as one of Indian cinema’s major commercial successes, crossing the ₹900 crore mark in worldwide box office collections just weeks after its December release. The film’s remarkable financial performance comes amid growing debate about its content and messaging.
The action drama, directed by Aditya Dhar, has sparked significant online discourse following criticism from prominent content creator Dhruv Rathee. In a recent video analysis, Rathee characterized the film as “well-made propaganda” that he considers potentially problematic due to its engaging nature and widespread viewership. While Rathee didn’t explicitly name the film in some of his posts, the timing and context made it apparent to many followers that his critique targeted “Dhurandhar.”
Rather than addressing the criticism head-on through interviews or direct statements, director Aditya Dhar has opted for a more subtle approach. He has shared several posts on Instagram that appear to respond indirectly to the controversy. One reshared note celebrated the “organic success” of “Dhurandhar” while referencing a “video maker” who “tried to criticise it… and got swept away by a wave of criticism against him.”
This indirect response highlights the polarized reception the film has received. While critics like Rathee have expressed concerns about the film’s messaging, “Dhurandhar” has clearly resonated with audiences across India and international markets, as evidenced by its exceptional box office performance.
In another reshared Instagram story, Dhar emphasized the film’s “organic” rise to success, pushing back against earlier allegations that corporate block bookings had artificially inflated its numbers. The post pointedly noted that critics who initially dismissed the film have remained silent in the face of its continued commercial triumph.
The film industry has been watching “Dhurandhar’s” performance closely, as big-budget productions with nationalist themes have become increasingly prominent in Indian cinema. This trend has generated both commercial success and cultural debate about representation and historical narrative in mainstream films.
The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar” illustrates the evolving relationship between entertainment, social commentary, and digital media in India. Content creators like Rathee, who built substantial audiences through political and social analysis, are increasingly weighing in on commercial cinema, particularly when films touch on themes relevant to national identity and politics.
Film trade analysts note that controversies rarely hurt box office prospects for films that connect strongly with their target audience. In many cases, the additional publicity from debates may actually drive curious viewers to theaters to form their own opinions.
The production team behind “Dhurandhar” has already capitalized on the film’s success by announcing a sequel. “Dhurandhar 2” is scheduled for an Eid 2026 release on March 19, and will be released in five languages to maximize its pan-Indian appeal, reflecting the growing trend of multilingual releases in Indian cinema.
As “Dhurandhar” continues its theatrical run, the conversation around its themes, impact, and commercial success demonstrates the strong engagement it has generated across the spectrum of fans and critics. The film’s performance has reinforced the commercial viability of nationalist-themed content while simultaneously sparking important discussions about representation and messaging in mainstream Indian cinema.
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12 Comments
The box office performance of ‘Dhurandhar’ is undeniably impressive, but the director’s evasive response to the ‘propaganda’ critique is disappointing. I hope he eventually addresses the concerns directly rather than relying on subtle Instagram posts.
I agree. Thoughtful, nuanced discussions around the film’s themes and messaging would be valuable, rather than skirting the issue.
The box office triumph of ‘Dhurandhar’ is undeniable, but the director’s evasive response to the ‘propaganda’ claims is troubling. Meaningful dialogue about the film’s themes and potential impact is warranted, rather than relying on cryptic social media posts.
Well said. Transparency and a willingness to engage with valid criticism are important, especially for high-profile works that can shape public discourse.
While the commercial success of ‘Dhurandhar’ is noteworthy, the director’s cryptic replies to the ‘propaganda’ claims are concerning. Transparent engagement with valid critiques is important, especially for high-profile films that can shape public discourse.
Absolutely. Dismissing or avoiding criticism, even if it’s uncomfortable, is rarely the best approach. Constructive dialogue is key.
Kudos to the film’s commercial success, but it’s understandable that some are concerned about potential propagandistic elements. I hope the director engages constructively with the critique rather than resorting to cryptic responses.
Well said. Transparency and an openness to discourse are important, especially for high-profile releases that can shape public narratives.
Interesting response from the director. While creative license is important, it’s good to have open dialogues about the impact of films, especially ones with widespread viewership. I’m curious to hear more about the director’s perspective on the messaging and themes of ‘Dhurandhar’.
Agreed. Nuanced discussions on the societal implications of popular media can lead to greater understanding, even if there are differing views.
The director’s subtle social media posts seem like an attempt to sidestep the ‘propaganda’ accusations rather than address them head-on. While the film’s box office success is impressive, the messaging concerns raised deserve a more direct response.
Agreed. Avoiding the issue entirely is unlikely to resolve the controversy and could even amplify it. A thoughtful, open discussion would be the more constructive path forward.