Ex-J&K DGP Vaid Defends “Dhurandhar 2” Film Amid Propaganda Controversy, Claims It Portrays Truth

Former Jammu and Kashmir police chief SP Vaid has defended the controversial film “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” against opposition criticism, stating that the movie portrays “uncomfortable truths” rather than promoting division as alleged by critics.

“The truth is harsh,” Vaid told ANI in Jammu. “Atiq Ahmed was a gangster. The whole world knows that he received illegal weapons, and his links with Pakistan are known to the world. What has been shown is based on the truth.”

The former Director General of Police rejected claims that the film pushes a divisive narrative, instead suggesting that opposition to the movie stems from its unflinching portrayal of sensitive historical events. “Our own leaders were involved in a fake currency racket,” he added, defending the film’s factual basis.

The movie, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has become the center of a heated political debate since its release on March 19. While achieving significant commercial success—reportedly crossing Rs 100 crore worldwide on its opening day—it has simultaneously drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar has been particularly vocal in his condemnation, characterizing the filmmakers as “hatemongers” who have “taken the contract to spread hatred across the country.” Anwar claims the film deliberately targets a specific community and aligns with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s ideological agenda.

“This is BJP’s agenda. The film has been made to promote that agenda,” Anwar told reporters, suggesting the narrative could potentially damage India’s communal fabric. He went further to claim that the divisive messaging could indirectly benefit Pakistan, stating, “What Muhammad Ali Jinnah could not do is being done by the BJP and Sangh parivar here.”

A central point of contention is the film’s portrayal of gangster Atiq Ahmed, who is depicted as having connections to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Anwar dismissed these characterizations as baseless propaganda. “Atiq might have numerous flaws, but calling him an ISI agent is illogical. It is not right to level false allegations,” he said.

The film, a sequel to last year’s hit “Dhurandhar,” appears to be benefiting from the controversy surrounding it. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has embraced the film’s popularity as a positive sign for his party, suggesting it reflects broader public support for the BJP.

“Just look at how many people are going to watch it,” Sarma remarked. “Those who are going to watch ‘Dhurandhar 2’ are going to vote for the BJP. It is good for us.”

The debate around “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” reflects broader tensions in Indian political discourse, where art and entertainment increasingly become battlegrounds for competing national narratives. Film critics have noted that political thrillers with nationalist themes have gained significant traction in Indian cinema over the past decade, often generating both commercial success and political controversy.

Industry analysts suggest that the film’s commercial performance indicates strong audience interest in narratives that engage with questions of national security and historical events, even when those portrayals become politically charged. The spy thriller genre has become particularly popular in recent years, with several high-budget productions exploring themes of cross-border terrorism and intelligence operations.

As the film continues its theatrical run, the surrounding debate highlights the increasingly blurred lines between entertainment, political messaging, and historical interpretation in contemporary Indian cinema. While some view such films as important explorations of national security concerns, others worry about their potential impact on communal relations in an already polarized political environment.

For now, both the film’s defenders and critics continue to advance their competing interpretations of its content and impact, ensuring that “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” remains as much a political talking point as a cinematic experience.