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Veteran Actor Anupam Kher Praises “Dhurandhar 2,” Criticizes Those Labeling It As Propaganda
Acclaimed actor Anupam Kher has voiced strong support for director Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller “Dhurandhar 2,” starring Ranveer Singh, while simultaneously criticizing those who dismiss the film as propaganda.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram Saturday, Kher revealed he personally called Dhar after viewing the film to express his admiration. “Sometimes, words fall short. You walk out of a film… and there’s a silence within you that says everything, yet explains nothing. That’s what watching Dhurandhar felt like,” Kher wrote in his post.
The veteran actor described the film as more than entertainment, calling it “an experience, an emotion, a journey that quietly enters your heart and then refuses to leave.” He emphasized that some stories transcend description and must be felt, placing “Dhurandhar 2” in that category.
Kher’s comments come as the film experiences significant commercial success, crossing the ₹300 crore net mark in India just three days after its March 19 release. This box office performance places it among the year’s biggest commercial hits, demonstrating substantial audience appeal despite mixed critical reviews.
In his video, Kher directly addressed critics who have labeled the film as propaganda. “People who are saying it’s about jingoism and that it is a propaganda film… I feel so sad for them. I feel pity for them,” he stated. Drawing parallels to similar criticisms of “The Kashmir Files,” Kher challenged detractors: “If you can’t tolerate such a movie, go and make such a film… Put some money and hire some writers.”
According to Kher, “Dhurandhar 2” portrays modern India by showcasing “how brilliant our system is, how brilliant our people are, how brilliant our agencies are,” themes that resonate with audiences seeking narratives of national pride and security capabilities.
The actor reserved special praise for Ranveer Singh’s performance, speaking from his perspective as an acting instructor: “For me to really salute somebody, it takes a lot of time and conviction. You are outstanding… Your body language, your simmering anger, understanding your pain… In one or two scenes, your pain is so visible and made me sad. My heart went out to you.”
Singh responded appreciatively in the comments section, writing: “Words fall short after seeing this, sir. I have grown up inspired by your artistry. Hearing this from you means a great, great deal to me.”
“Dhurandhar 2” continues the storyline established in the first film, which portrayed Singh as an Indian spy infiltrating criminal gangs in Pakistan’s Lyari area to dismantle terror networks threatening India. The sequel explores the origin story of Singh’s character, Hamza Ali Mazari (also known as Jaskirat Singh Rangi), while continuing his mission against terrorist organizations.
The film features an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi in pivotal roles, all of whom received acknowledgment from Kher in his review.
The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar 2” reflects broader tensions in Indian cinema regarding patriotic themes, with some critics questioning whether such films cross the line into nationalistic propaganda, while supporters view them as legitimate expressions of national sentiment and pride in intelligence operations.
As the film continues its theatrical run, the debate around its messaging appears likely to persist, even as its commercial performance suggests strong audience engagement with its themes and storytelling approach.
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10 Comments
Ranveer Singh’s response to the ‘propaganda’ label will be interesting to see. As a leading actor, he likely has his own perspective on the film’s themes and intentions that could add valuable nuance to this discussion.
Agreed. Hearing directly from the creative team behind ‘Dhurandhar 2’ could help provide much-needed context, beyond just political posturing.
The strong box office performance of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ suggests there is significant public interest in this film, beyond just political rhetoric. As an audience, we should evaluate the artistic and entertainment value, not just the ideological messaging.
Well said. Commercial success often stems from a film resonating with viewers on an emotional level, beyond any overt political agenda. An open-minded analysis is warranted here.
While I respect Anupam Kher’s artistic appreciation of the film, I do think we need to be cautious about dismissing valid criticisms as mere ‘propaganda’. There are complex issues of nationalism, militarism, and historical interpretation at play that warrant serious analysis.
That’s a fair point. Engaging in substantive, nuanced discourse is important, rather than simply labeling differing perspectives as propaganda. An open and thoughtful discussion could yield valuable insights.
The commercial success of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is noteworthy, but that alone doesn’t determine artistic merit or justify political messaging. I hope the film can be evaluated holistically, considering both its entertainment value and its sociopolitical implications.
Well stated. A balanced approach that considers multiple perspectives is essential when assessing films with complex themes and potential ideological underpinnings.
Interesting to see Anupam Kher’s passionate defense of ‘Dhurandhar 2’. He makes a compelling case that the film transcends simple labels like ‘propaganda’. I’m curious to learn more about the film and its artistic merits beyond the political controversy.
I agree, Kher raises some thoughtful points. A nuanced discussion on the film’s themes and execution would be more constructive than dismissing it outright as propaganda.