Anupam Kher: Dhurandhar’s Success Refutes Propaganda Claims, ‘Don’t Make Us Feel Small’

Actor Anupam Kher has responded sharply to critics who labeled “The Sabarmati Report” as propaganda, pointing to the film’s box office success as vindication against such claims. The political thriller, which explores the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, has generated both commercial success and controversy since its release.

“When people label a film as propaganda before even watching it, that’s unfair,” Kher said during a recent interview with ANI. “Now that audiences are embracing the film, it serves as a slap in the face to those critics who tried to dismiss it without giving it a fair chance.”

The veteran actor, who plays a pivotal role in the film, emphasized the importance of allowing viewers to form their own opinions. “Don’t make us feel small for presenting a perspective on historical events,” he added, visibly passionate about defending the project.

“The Sabarmati Report,” directed by Dheeraj Sarna, dramatizes the events surrounding the burning of the Sabarmati Express near Godhra railway station in Gujarat, which triggered widespread communal violence across the state. The film stars Vikrant Massey and Ridhi Dogra alongside Kher in key roles.

Since its November 15 release, the film has performed steadily at the box office, collecting approximately ₹14 crore in its first week. This commercial performance comes despite mixed critical reception, with some praising its storytelling while others questioning its historical accuracy and potential political motivations.

The controversy surrounding the film reflects broader tensions in Indian cinema regarding the portrayal of sensitive historical events. In recent years, several films touching on political or historical subjects have faced similar accusations of propaganda or bias, particularly when dealing with communally sensitive issues.

Film industry analyst Rajesh Sharma notes that this trend is becoming increasingly common. “Historical and political films often generate polarized responses in today’s environment. The commercial success of ‘The Sabarmati Report’ demonstrates that audiences are interested in these narratives, regardless of the controversy they generate.”

The Godhra incident itself remains a deeply contested chapter in India’s recent history. On February 27, 2002, Coach S-6 of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire, resulting in the deaths of 59 passengers, many of whom were Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya. The tragedy sparked massive communal riots across Gujarat that claimed over 1,000 lives.

Multiple investigations into the incident have yielded conflicting conclusions, with some suggesting it was a planned attack and others indicating it may have been accidental. This contentious background has made any artistic representation of the events inherently controversial.

For Kher, however, the film represents an opportunity to engage with difficult aspects of India’s history. “Cinema has always been a medium to provoke thought and discussion. We need to be able to tell these stories without being immediately labeled or dismissed,” he said.

The actor also addressed the film’s timing, which some critics have suggested is politically motivated. “Art doesn’t follow election schedules. We made this film because we believed in the story and its importance.”

Producer Shobha Sant has also defended the film, stating that it attempts to present facts that may not have been widely reported at the time. “Our intention was to create a thought-provoking piece that encourages viewers to question established narratives,” Sant said at a press conference last week.

As “The Sabarmati Report” continues its theatrical run, the debate around it highlights the increasingly complex relationship between Indian cinema, history, and politics. While filmmakers assert their right to artistic expression and interpretation of historical events, critics remain concerned about potential distortions of history and their impact on public perception.

For audiences, the film offers an opportunity to engage with a controversial chapter in India’s history, even as they navigate the charged discourse surrounding its creation and release.