Anupam Kher Hails ‘Dhurandhar’ Success, Rejects Propaganda Accusations

In a remarkable show of industry solidarity, veteran actor Anupam Kher has publicly celebrated the commercial triumph of “Dhurandhar,” the spy action thriller directed by Aditya Dhar that has captivated audiences since its December 5, 2025 release.

Taking to social media platforms Instagram and X, Kher shared a heartfelt video message expressing his admiration for the film despite having no direct involvement in the project. His endorsement carries significant weight in an industry where public praise from established actors for colleagues’ work often signals more than mere professional courtesy.

“I created this video to show my joy for Dhurandhar,” Kher stated in his message. “The film carries a strong message, and its success gives peace and pride. I congratulate Aditya Dhar and his team.”

The action thriller, which stars Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna in lead roles, has emerged as one of the season’s most discussed releases, generating substantial box office returns in an increasingly competitive theatrical market where audience attention is fragmented across multiple entertainment platforms.

Kher, whose recent work includes “Kaagaz 2” and “Emergency,” drew parallels between the reception of “Dhurandhar” and his own 2019 film “The Accidental Prime Minister,” noting that both projects faced accusations of pushing political agendas. He characterized the commercial success of Dhar’s film as a definitive response to such criticism.

“The success of Dhurandhar was a slap on the faces of such critics,” Kher remarked, highlighting what he perceives as audience vindication against ideological dismissals of certain cinematic narratives.

The veteran actor particularly commended director Aditya Dhar for maintaining creative integrity in an industry often driven by formulaic approaches. “Aditya trusted his vision and did not follow patterns. His courage and work make this film special,” Kher observed, suggesting the film’s success stems partly from its authenticity and conviction.

Dhar, visibly moved by Kher’s public endorsement, responded with equal enthusiasm in the comments section of the post. “Wow. 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,” wrote the director.

He further reflected on Kher’s observation about audience sentiment, 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. It has always been my intention as a filmmaker.”

The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions in Indian cinema between artistic expression, commercial considerations, and political interpretations, particularly for films that touch on themes related to national security or contemporary social issues.

“Dhurandhar” represents a growing trend in Bollywood toward technically sophisticated action thrillers with patriotic undertones, following the success of films like “Uri: The Surgical Strike” (also directed by Dhar) and “Pathaan.” These productions have demonstrated substantial box office potential while occasionally becoming lightning rods for broader cultural and political debates.

Industry analysts note that the film’s performance reinforces the viability of big-budget action spectacles in theatrical settings, even as streaming platforms continue to reshape viewing habits.

With “Dhurandhar 2” already scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, the franchise appears positioned to become a significant commercial property in the Indian film landscape. The sequel announcement, coming so quickly after the original’s release, suggests strong studio confidence in the intellectual property’s market potential.

The public discourse surrounding “Dhurandhar,” amplified by endorsements from industry stalwarts like Kher, demonstrates how contemporary Indian cinema continues to function not merely as entertainment but as a cultural battleground where artistic, commercial, and ideological considerations frequently intersect.