Veteran Actor Anupam Kher Praises “Dhurandhar” for Transcending Propaganda Claims

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has offered strong support for Aditya Dhar’s film “Dhurandhar,” claiming the successful movie has effectively silenced critics who attempted to label it as propaganda.

Speaking in a candid video message recorded from abroad, Kher expressed an unexpected emotional connection to the film despite having no direct involvement in its production. “I don’t have a role in this film. I am not connected to anything. But I don’t know why, with the success of this film, my heart is very peaceful. I have felt peace and pride,” Kher stated.

The 70-year-old actor placed “Dhurandhar” among a select group of landmark films that have shifted audience perspectives, comparing its cultural impact to classics like “Godfather,” “Sholay,” and “Mughal-e-Azam.” He also referenced some of his own works like “Saaransh,” “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” “A Wednesday,” and “Khosla Ka Ghosla,” describing them as “path-breaking films because they gave a new perspective to cinema-goers.”

Kher’s praise for director Aditya Dhar was particularly effusive, highlighting the filmmaker’s Kashmiri heritage and personal connection to the narrative. “He comes from a family of people who were persecuted. And with his work, he has shown what success is all about. And what courage is all about,” Kher remarked. He specifically commended Dhar’s directorial approach, noting that the filmmaker “has not followed any pattern or formula. No formula. Just conviction.”

The critical and commercial success of “Dhurandhar” appears to have special significance for Kher, who has faced similar criticisms for his 2022 film “The Kashmir Files.” In his video, Kher directly addressed those who had attempted to dismiss both films as propaganda. “This proves that there was a clique of people who were behind proving propaganda to the film… This is the same film who tried to prove propaganda to The Kashmir Files. And I say, 30% of them succeeded. They debated. But Dhurandhar has slapped such people.”

His message took on a defiant tone as he continued: “Don’t teach us what propaganda is. You are not going to decide what is a propaganda film. Don’t make us feel small. That is what the audience is saying to people like that.”

2025 has proven to be a significant year for Dhar and his wife, actress Yami Gautam. Kher pointed out their successful run with films including “Article 370” and “Haqq,” alongside “Dhurandhar.” The confluence of these successful releases has elevated Dhar’s standing in the industry considerably.

Responding to Kher’s praise in the comment section of the video, Dhar expressed gratitude: “This truly means so much, sir. Such pure emotion and generosity in your words… And to be mentioned in the same breath as those films is an honour I do not take lightly at all.” The director embraced Kher’s framing of audience response, adding, “The line you said, ‘Don’t make us feel small, that is what the audience is saying,’ holds so true in today’s time.”

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions within the Indian film industry regarding politically charged content. Films addressing sensitive historical and political topics, particularly those related to Kashmir, have frequently sparked debates about artistic intent versus propaganda.

In the caption accompanying his video, Kher emphasized that he felt compelled to “express my happiness over the success of Dhurandhar in a completely honest way,” concluding that “Dhurandhar is an extremely important film and a powerful emotion.”

The warm reception of “Dhurandhar” suggests shifting audience attitudes toward films that tackle complex historical and political themes, potentially creating more space for diverse perspectives in Indian cinema.