Anurag Kashyap Praises ‘Dhurandhar’ for Courage While Disagreeing with Its Politics, Dismisses Propaganda Claims

Anurag Kashyap Defends ‘Dhurandhar’ as Courageous Cinema, Questions Propaganda Label

Veteran filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has offered a nuanced take on the Ranveer Singh-starrer “Dhurandhar,” praising it as a “courageous mainstream film” while simultaneously addressing criticism about its political messaging. Speaking at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival during a session titled “Fearless Film Making,” Kashyap provided thoughtful insights on the intersection of cinema and politics in today’s polarized environment.

Kashyap made it clear that while he appreciated “Dhurandhar” for its cinematic qualities and ambitious scale, he took issue with certain ideological elements embedded in the narrative. “I liked the film, but I didn’t like some of the ideologies,” he explained. “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.”

His comments come at a time when Indian cinema, particularly mainstream Bollywood productions, faces increasing scrutiny for political messaging. “Dhurandhar,” which has performed well at the box office, has sparked debates about whether entertainment is increasingly becoming a vehicle for political narratives in India’s film industry.

On the contentious topic of labeling films as propaganda, Kashyap offered a more complex perspective. He argued that such characterizations can themselves become a form of propaganda that shuts down meaningful dialogue about a film’s artistic merits. Drawing parallels with Hollywood franchises that often carry cultural or ideological subtexts, Kashyap suggested that audiences and critics should adopt a more holistic approach when evaluating politically charged content.

“Calling films propaganda or promotion is itself a form of propaganda,” Kashyap remarked, highlighting the risk of reducing complex artistic works to simple political categorizations. This stance reflects broader concerns in India’s creative community about the narrowing space for nuanced storytelling in an increasingly polarized climate.

Film industry experts note that Kashyap’s comments reflect growing tensions in Indian cinema between artistic expression and political sensitivities. In recent years, several high-profile films have faced controversies over their perceived political leanings, with both right and left-wing groups calling for boycotts or censorship of content they find objectionable.

During the festival discussion, Kashyap also reflected on the evolution of political themes in Indian cinema. He observed that films with strong political messaging might face greater challenges today than in previous decades, suggesting a shift in both the industry’s approach and audience reception to politically charged content.

The filmmaker, known for his own boundary-pushing work, encouraged fellow directors to continue pursuing bold narratives despite these challenges. He acknowledged that diverse viewpoints will inevitably generate debate but emphasized the importance of maintaining creative integrity in the face of criticism.

Kashyap’s own directorial work continues to push boundaries in Indian cinema. His film “Kennedy,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival three years ago, is now set for release on streaming platform ZEE5. The film, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, further cements Kashyap’s reputation as one of India’s most distinctive and outspoken filmmakers.

As Indian cinema navigates complex questions about artistic freedom, political influence, and audience expectations, Kashyap’s balanced assessment of “Dhurandhar” offers a template for how filmmakers and critics might engage with politically charged content in ways that honor both creative expression and ideological diversity.