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In a heartfelt endorsement that has sparked conversation across social media, veteran actor Anupam Kher has lauded Adhitya Dhar’s latest directorial venture “Dhurandhar 2,” starring Ranveer Singh, while simultaneously criticizing those dismissing the film as propaganda.
On Saturday, Kher took to social media with an extensive video review where he shared his profound emotional response to the film. The actor revealed he personally reached out to director Adhitya Dhar after watching the movie, which has been performing exceptionally well at the box office.
“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. “It is not just a film. It is an experience. An emotion. A journey that quietly enters your heart and then refuses to leave.”
The veteran actor’s praise extended beyond general appreciation, as he specifically addressed criticisms that have labeled the film as propaganda. With evident passion, Kher expressed frustration at such characterizations.
“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,” Kher stated in his video. Drawing parallels to similar criticisms of his own film “The Kashmir Files,” he added, “People who call it a propaganda film should be ashamed of themselves… If you can’t tolerate such a movie, go and make such a film… Put some money and hire some writers.”
The film industry has seen increasing debate in recent years about the line between patriotic storytelling and propaganda, with several nationalist-themed productions receiving both acclaim and criticism for their portrayal of complex historical and political subjects.
Kher, drawing on his experience as an acting teacher, reserved special praise for Ranveer Singh’s performance. “I’m a teacher of acting. For me to really salute somebody, it takes a lot of time and conviction. You are outstanding,” he remarked, highlighting Singh’s body language, emotional depth, and ability to convey simmering anger and pain through his character.
Singh responded gratefully 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. My deepest respects and salutations to you, sir.”
Beyond Singh, Kher also commended the performances of supporting cast members Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, suggesting the film’s ensemble strength contributes to its overall impact.
“Dhurandhar 2,” which continues the narrative from its predecessor while exploring the origin story of Singh’s character Jaskirat Singh Rangi, has demonstrated remarkable commercial success. The film reportedly crossed the 300 crore rupee mark (approximately $36 million) within just three days of its release, indicating strong audience reception despite the polarized critical response.
The film’s financial performance places it among the more successful Indian releases of the year and demonstrates the ongoing commercial viability of nationalist-themed storytelling in the current market.
This enthusiastic endorsement from Kher, an influential figure in Indian cinema with decades of experience, potentially adds further momentum to the film’s commercial trajectory while highlighting the increasingly contentious discourse surrounding patriotic narratives in contemporary Indian cinema.
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6 Comments
Interesting that Anupam Kher has come out so strongly in support of this film. As a respected veteran actor, his perspective carries weight. I’ll have to look into the film and decide for myself whether the ‘propaganda’ claims hold water.
Yes, it’s a nuanced issue. Reasonable people can disagree on whether a film has propagandistic elements or not. I appreciate Kher’s passion, but will reserve judgment until I can assess the film myself.
Kudos to Anupam Kher for passionately defending this film. While I’m curious to see it for myself, I respect his right to express his artistic appreciation without being dismissed as a propagandist. These debates are important, but should avoid personal attacks.
Well said. Films that touch on political or ideological issues often bring out strong reactions, but we should strive to discuss them constructively. I’ll be interested to see how this conversation evolves as more people weigh in.
Anytime a film sparks accusations of propaganda, it’s worth digging deeper to understand the different perspectives. Kher makes a compelling case, but I’d like to hear more from the film’s critics before forming my own opinion.
Agreed. Healthy debate around the merits and potential biases of a film is part of a robust cultural discourse. As long as it’s done civilly, I welcome hearing varied viewpoints on ‘Dhurandhar 2’.