Anupam Kher Rejects ‘Propaganda’ Label as Dhurandhar Succeeds at Box Office

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has pushed back against criticisms labeling his recent film “The Vaccine War” as propaganda, as his latest release “Dhurandhar” continues to gain momentum at the box office.

Speaking to reporters at a promotional event in Mumbai, Kher expressed frustration with what he described as unfair characterization of patriotic films. “When we make a film that celebrates India’s achievements, why is it immediately called propaganda? My heart is very pained by this attitude,” Kher said.

“Dhurandhar,” a political thriller directed by Vivek Agnihotri, has surprised industry analysts by performing strongly in its second weekend, crossing the ₹65 crore mark despite opening against larger productions. The film depicts the fictional story of a whistleblower exposing corruption in government systems.

Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted that the film’s performance represents a significant victory for mid-budget, content-driven cinema. “We’re seeing a clear audience preference for substantive storytelling over mere star power. ‘Dhurandhar’ started with modest expectations but has shown remarkable staying power,” Adarsh told reporters.

The film’s success follows a similar trajectory to Kher and Agnihotri’s previous collaboration, “The Kashmir Files,” which became one of 2022’s highest-grossing Indian films despite its modest budget and controversial subject matter. That film too faced accusations of pushing a particular political narrative.

Industry experts point to changing audience preferences in post-pandemic India. “Viewers are increasingly drawn to films they perceive as authentic or revealing untold stories, regardless of star casting,” explained Komal Nahta, film trade analyst. “What some critics dismiss as propaganda, certain audience segments embrace as refreshing truth-telling.”

The debate around politically charged films has intensified in recent years in India’s polarized media environment. Films like “The Kerala Story,” “The Vaccine War,” and “Uri: The Surgical Strike” have all faced similar criticisms of blurring the lines between patriotism and propaganda.

Kher, a National Award-winning actor with a four-decade career spanning over 500 films, defended the filmmakers’ right to present alternative perspectives. “For years, only one kind of narrative dominated our storytelling. Now when different voices emerge, they’re immediately labeled propaganda. Shouldn’t audiences decide what resonates with them?” he questioned.

The 68-year-old actor further emphasized that “Dhurandhar” addresses universal themes of corruption and accountability. “This isn’t about left or right politics but about right and wrong. The film simply asks questions about systems that fail ordinary citizens,” Kher explained.

Box office analytics reveal that “Dhurandhar” has performed particularly well in tier-two cities across northern and central India, with strong word-of-mouth driving sustained ticket sales. The film has also generated significant debate on social media platforms, further fueling audience interest.

Exhibition chains have responded by adding more screenings in the second week, contrary to the usual pattern of reducing showtimes for aging releases. PVR Inox, India’s largest multiplex chain, confirmed that occupancy rates for “Dhurandhar” have remained steady at around 65% through its second weekend.

Producer Abhishek Agarwal expressed satisfaction with both the commercial and critical reception. “We made this film with conviction, not calculation. The audience response validates our belief that there’s a market for stories that challenge conventional wisdom,” Agarwal said.

As “Dhurandhar” continues its theatrical run, industry observers suggest the film’s success may encourage more productions that engage with controversial social and political themes. The ongoing debate around such films also reflects broader questions about the role of cinema in India’s public discourse.

Meanwhile, Kher has announced his next project—a biopic on a pioneering Indian scientist—suggesting the actor remains committed to stories he believes deserve wider attention, regardless of potential controversy.