Actor’s Sister Criticizes “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” as Propaganda, Questions Priyanka Chopra’s Silence

Reet Padda, sister of actor Aneet Padda, has sparked controversy with a candid social media post criticizing Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster film “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” and calling out Priyanka Chopra for her silence on what she termed an “illegal war.”

The lengthy statement, which has gone viral across social media platforms, began as a response to a critic questioning her views but evolved into a broader critique of Indian cinema and celebrity responsibility during political conflicts.

“Dhurandhar literally serves as a government-friendly narrative, using political speeches to justify, say, the minor hiccup of demonetization,” Padda wrote in her widely-shared post. “Call it propaganda? Yep. Deny it? Not a chance.”

Her criticisms extended beyond “Dhurandhar” to other controversial films including “The Kashmir Files” and “Kerala Files,” which she accused of manipulating facts to advance specific narratives against religious communities.

“That’s how propaganda works,” she explained. “Take a sliver of truth, sprinkle in some absurdly inflated numbers, and suddenly you’ve got a full-blown narrative against a community.”

The controversy intensified when Padda addressed a commenter claiming to be a Kashmiri Pandit. She challenged their authenticity, questioning why they hadn’t shared personal experiences while hiding “behind a faceless, anonymous account.” While acknowledging the underlying issues portrayed in these films exist, she maintained they present distorted narratives.

In a particularly pointed segment of her post, Padda criticized global star Priyanka Chopra for her silence during a significant moment at the Academy Awards. She referenced the incident when Chopra presented the Best International Feature Film award alongside Spanish actor Javier Bardem, who made comments condemning war and supporting Palestine.

“Priyanka Chopra and her international platform. She’s got a chance to oppose an illegal war next to someone taking a stand, and…she can’t even clap,” Padda wrote.

The post took a personal turn when Padda expressed hopes that her sister, actor Aneet Padda, would handle similar situations differently. “If my sister gets that kind of opportunity, I pray she rises to the occasion,” she stated, adding that if Aneet chose to remain silent, “I will be the first one to call it out.”

Padda’s comments come at a time when Indian cinema is increasingly examined for its political undertones. Films like “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” and “The Kashmir Files” have been commercial successes but have drawn criticism for their portrayal of sensitive historical and political issues.

The film industry has become increasingly polarized in recent years, with some productions accused of aligning with government narratives while others face challenges for presenting alternative viewpoints.

“I don’t discriminate against individuals,” Padda concluded. “I do, however, discriminate against political dishonesty cloaked in religion. And yes, I’m unafraid to speak up, even if the majority doesn’t like it.”

The viral post has elicited strong reactions online, with supporters praising Padda’s willingness to speak candidly about contentious issues, while critics have questioned her perspectives and motives. As the sister of a working actor in the industry, her comments have drawn particular attention for challenging mainstream narratives in a public forum.

Neither Priyanka Chopra nor the makers of “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” have publicly responded to Padda’s comments as of this reporting.