Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has offered a nuanced perspective on the blockbuster spy thriller “Dhurandhar,” praising its cinematic excellence while acknowledging his disagreements with aspects of its political messaging. In a detailed review posted on Letterboxd, Kashyap explained how he separated his appreciation for the craft from elements he viewed as propaganda.

“I chose to look past what I felt were propaganda-heavy moments and concentrate on the quality of filmmaking,” Kashyap wrote, noting that while certain dialogues troubled him, setting those aside allowed him to appreciate the film’s considerable strengths. He characterized “Dhurandhar” as “good, and ultimately brilliant,” despite his ideological reservations.

The film, which follows an Indian intelligence operative infiltrating criminal networks in Pakistan’s Lyari district, has become a commercial juggernaut, grossing over ₹1,200 crore worldwide. It stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, supported by industry veterans Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal.

Kashyap’s commentary acknowledges the inherent tension between artistic merit and political messaging that often surfaces in geopolitically charged films. He drew parallels between “Dhurandhar” and acclaimed Hollywood war dramas like “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty,” which have similarly been criticized for their political perspectives while being celebrated for their cinematic achievements.

“Hostility towards an enemy state is built into the genre itself,” Kashyap observed, suggesting that such tension is an expected element of spy thrillers, particularly those set against the backdrop of Indo-Pakistani relations.

The filmmaker’s relationship with “Dhurandhar” director Aditya Dhar adds another dimension to his review. Kashyap revealed he has known Dhar since the latter’s National Award-winning short film “Boond,” and believes Dhar’s political viewpoint stems from authentic personal experience rather than opportunism.

“His perspective as a Kashmiri Pandit informs his work in a genuine way,” Kashyap noted, emphasizing that Dhar’s consistent engagement with Kashmir-related themes reflects lived experience. “Audiences may agree or disagree with the politics, but the filmmaker’s honesty and technical command stand out.”

This assessment highlights the complex intersection of personal history, political belief, and artistic expression that shapes contemporary Indian cinema, particularly when addressing sensitive geopolitical subjects.

Kashyap reserved special praise for Ranveer Singh’s performance, calling it his favorite element of the film and commending the actor’s “confidence and restraint.” This endorsement from one of India’s most critically respected filmmakers adds to the growing acclaim for Singh’s portrayal of the intelligence operative.

The commercial success of “Dhurandhar” reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema, where nationalist-themed action thrillers have found substantial audience support in recent years. The film’s performance has cemented its position as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, with anticipation building for its sequel, scheduled for release in March.

Kashyap’s willingness to engage with the film on multiple levels – appreciating its artistic merits while maintaining his political reservations – offers a template for critical discourse that acknowledges both the craft and content of politically charged cinema.

“If I wanted to debate its politics further, I would do so directly with Dhar,” Kashyap concluded, suggesting that meaningful dialogue about controversial themes remains possible even amid strong differences in perspective.

As “Dhurandhar” continues its box office reign, Kashyap’s measured commentary serves as a reminder that films can be simultaneously evaluated for their artistic execution and their ideological implications, with viewers free to determine which aspects they prioritize in forming their own conclusions.