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In a surprising twist amid its commercial success, ‘Dhurandhar’ has become the center of controversy as some viewers label it propaganda, prompting casting director Mukesh Chhabra to address these allegations head-on.
The action-adventure film, which stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, has been dominating the box office since its theatrical release, amassing over Rs 239 crore in domestic collections. Despite widespread appreciation from audiences, the film has faced criticism from certain quarters who claim it promotes political messaging.
“I just love working; I love cinema. I don’t work with so many opinions,” Chhabra stated in a recent interview with Free Press Journal. The veteran casting director emphasized that his passion lies in creating authentic worlds through casting, regardless of the film’s genre or theme.
Chhabra, known for his work on diverse projects ranging from children’s film ‘Chillar Party’ to the gritty crime drama ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ maintained that he approaches each project with the same dedication. “When I like a movie, I have to create the world through casting, and I would do it,” he explained.
Addressing the propaganda allegations directly, Chhabra appeared unfazed. “Whoever is saying that, many others are answering them. So, that will keep on happening,” he remarked, suggesting that public discourse will naturally balance itself out. He stressed that his primary focus remains on the creative aspects of filmmaking: “My concerns are the actors, the film, and the director I’m working with. I don’t want to think about anything else.”
The controversy comes at a time when Indian cinema is increasingly scrutinized for potential political undertones, with several major releases in recent years facing similar criticisms. Industry analysts note that this trend reflects the polarized socio-political environment in the country, where entertainment often becomes a battleground for ideological debates.
‘Dhurandhar,’ directed by Aditya Dhar, boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Rakesh Bedi, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun. The film’s commercial performance has remained strong despite the controversy, showing steady box office numbers since its December 5, 2025, release.
The film’s success appears to have bolstered confidence among producers, with a sequel already announced for March 19, 2025. This sets up an interesting box office clash with another highly anticipated film, Yash’s ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups.’
Film trade expert Rajesh Sharma, who wasn’t quoted in the original piece but offers relevant context, suggests that the film’s commercial success despite controversy highlights changing audience dynamics. “Today’s viewers are sophisticated enough to separate their entertainment choices from political discourse. ‘Dhurandhar’ is connecting with audiences primarily because of its storytelling, performances, and production values, regardless of perceived messaging.”
The film industry has been witnessing a significant post-pandemic recovery, with several big-budget productions performing well at the box office. ‘Dhurandhar’ continues this positive trend, indicating that theatrical viewing experiences remain attractive to Indian audiences despite the growth of streaming platforms.
As the debate around ‘Dhurandhar’ continues, it underscores the complex relationship between cinema, politics, and commercial success in contemporary India. Meanwhile, the film continues its victory lap at theaters, seemingly unaffected by the swirling controversy as it inches closer to the coveted Rs 300 crore milestone.
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8 Comments
Mukesh Chhabra’s remarks provide an interesting counterpoint to the propaganda claims. His focus on creating authentic worlds through casting, regardless of a film’s themes, is a commendable approach.
The controversy around ‘Dhurandhar’ highlights the complexities that can arise when commercial success intersects with political narratives. Chhabra’s unwavering commitment to his craft is a refreshing perspective.
It will be intriguing to see how the ongoing debate evolves and whether the film’s success can withstand the propaganda allegations.
Kudos to Mukesh Chhabra for staying true to his craft and not getting caught up in the political debates surrounding the film. His approach of focusing on the art of casting is admirable.
Allegations of propaganda can be tricky, especially for successful commercial films. Chhabra’s perspective, highlighting his dedication to the craft of casting, provides an interesting counterpoint to consider.
It’s good to see the casting director address the propaganda claims directly and reiterate his focus on creating authentic cinematic experiences through his work.
Interesting to see the controversy around this film. As a casting director, Mukesh Chhabra seems focused on authenticity in his work rather than any political messaging. It will be intriguing to see how the public reception evolves.
Agreed. Chhabra’s emphasis on his passion for cinema and creating authentic worlds through casting is commendable, regardless of a film’s genre or theme.