Dhruv Rathee Teases Upcoming Video on Alleged ‘Rs 300 Crore Propaganda Film’ as Internet Speculates Dhurandhar Connection

Commentator Dhruv Rathee Takes Aim at Blockbuster Film in Promised Exposé

Political commentator and popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has ignited a fresh controversy in Bollywood circles with a cryptic announcement targeting what many believe to be the recent box office hit “Dhurandhar.” Without explicitly naming the film, Rathee suggested his upcoming video would “destroy a Rs 300 crore propaganda film,” setting social media ablaze with speculation and debate.

On Saturday, Rathee posted on X (formerly Twitter): “It takes 1 YouTube video to destroy a ₹300 crore propaganda film. And I guarantee you that the MELTDOWN after this video will be so bad. They’re not ready for this. Releasing tonight ;)”.

Though Rathee avoided directly naming his target, the timing and specific reference to the box office figure left little doubt among followers that he was referring to “Dhurandhar,” the Ranveer Singh-led spy thriller that recently surpassed the Rs 300 crore mark in domestic earnings. The film has been a massive commercial success, accumulating approximately Rs 480 crore net in India and approaching Rs 740 crore in worldwide revenue.

This is not Rathee’s first clash with the film or its creators. In November, following the release of “Dhurandhar’s” trailer, he publicly criticized director Aditya Dhar over what he described as the glorification of extreme violence. Rathee specifically called out the film’s opening torture sequence, comparing it to extremist propaganda and expressing concern about its potential to desensitize younger viewers. He further accused the filmmakers of prioritizing profit over social responsibility, which prompted significant backlash from fans of the movie and its director.

“Dhurandhar,” which tells the story of an Indian spy operating undercover in Pakistan’s Lyari region to infiltrate criminal organizations with alleged terror connections, has been lauded for its technical prowess and performances. However, it has simultaneously drawn criticism for its political messaging and undertones. The film’s political stance has been so divisive that even actor Hrithik Roshan, while praising its artistic merits, publicly distanced himself from its political perspective.

The movie features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt alongside lead actor Ranveer Singh. Its commercial success has already prompted plans for a sequel, tentatively scheduled for release in March 2026.

The controversy highlights the increasingly politicized nature of mainstream Indian cinema, particularly films dealing with national security themes and India-Pakistan relations. In recent years, several major Bollywood productions have faced scrutiny for their political messaging, with critics often dividing along ideological lines.

Media analysts suggest that Rathee’s intervention represents a growing trend of influential digital content creators challenging traditional media narratives. With over 10 million subscribers on YouTube, Rathee’s platform gives him significant reach to offer counter-perspectives to mainstream entertainment.

The film industry has become increasingly sensitive to such critiques, as social media reactions can influence public perception and potentially impact box office performance. However, in “Dhurandhar’s” case, the film has already established itself as one of the year’s biggest commercial successes, potentially insulating it from any significant financial impact from Rathee’s commentary.

As audiences await the release of Rathee’s promised video, the incident underscores the evolving relationship between entertainment, politics, and digital media in India’s cultural landscape. Whether his commentary will substantially shift public opinion on the film or merely intensify existing divisions remains to be seen, but it has certainly guaranteed that conversations around “Dhurandhar” will extend well beyond its theatrical run.