Acclaimed Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap Offers Nuanced Take on “Dhurandhar,” Praising Courage While Questioning Politics

Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has sparked discussion in Indian cinema circles with his recent comments about the blockbuster “Dhurandhar,” which he described as “a courageous mainstream film” despite disagreeing with aspects of its political messaging.

Speaking at the Bengaluru International Film Festival during a session titled “Fearless Film Making,” Kashyap addressed the current dearth of politically bold cinema in India’s commercial landscape, suggesting that many films from earlier eras would struggle to be produced in today’s environment.

“This is a good example of a courageous mainstream film,” Kashyap said of “Dhurandhar,” before adding his critique. “I liked the film, but I didn’t like some of the ideologies. The dialogue about ‘This is the new India’ and one long political monologue, among a total of three scenes, were unnecessary; even without them, the film’s impact would not have diminished.”

The director, known for his own politically charged works like “Gangs of Wasseypur” and “Black Friday,” rejected the notion that “Dhurandhar” should be dismissed as propaganda. He argued that labeling films as propaganda often reveals more about the critic than the content itself, suggesting that such criticism is inherently political.

Drawing parallels with international cinema, Kashyap noted, “Hollywood’s Marvel films propagate American supremacy, but no one criticises them from that perspective.” His comments highlight the double standard often applied to Indian films with nationalist themes versus Western counterparts that similarly promote their countries’ ideologies.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, “Dhurandhar” has emerged as a commercial powerhouse, grossing over Rs 1,300 crore (approximately $175 million) worldwide. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, alongside industry veterans Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal.

The film’s massive success reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema where nationalist narratives have found significant commercial appeal. This phenomenon has coincided with India’s increasing geopolitical assertiveness and a domestic political climate that celebrates national pride and cultural heritage.

Industry insiders note that “Dhurandhar” represents a new breed of high-budget, technically polished films that blend patriotic themes with commercial entertainment values. The approach has proven lucrative at the box office but has also divided critics and audiences along ideological lines.

According to reports from Mid-Day, the makers of “Dhurandhar” are now negotiating with satellite channels and broadcasters to sell the rights to Parts 1 and 2 as a package deal. The first installment is expected to begin airing from March 31, while the second part—scheduled for theatrical release on March 19—will make its television debut approximately four months later.

“The team is finalizing worldwide transmission deals, except for the territories of China, Taiwan, and Macau,” an industry source told the publication, suggesting strategic considerations in the film’s international distribution plan.

Kashyap’s comments come at a time when the relationship between Indian cinema and politics has become increasingly scrutinized. Filmmakers face growing pressure to align with dominant political narratives, while those who challenge established viewpoints often encounter backlash from various quarters.

The director’s willingness to praise “Dhurandhar” for its courage while simultaneously questioning its political elements offers a nuanced perspective that acknowledges the complexity of political expression in contemporary Indian cinema, where the line between artistic expression and ideological messaging continues to blur.