Priyadarshan Defends Aditya Dhar’s Work, Dismisses “Propaganda” Claims Around Dhurandhar Films

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has come forward to share insights about director Aditya Dhar’s challenging journey in the film industry, while simultaneously addressing the controversy surrounding Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise, which stars Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh.

In a candid interview with Siddharth Kannan, Priyadarshan revealed that Dhar faced significant hardships before establishing himself as a filmmaker. “Yes, he was very disheartened. But he never told me about it initially. He only opened up later, after he started writing for me and was working with me,” Priyadarshan explained.

The acclaimed director, known for hits across multiple Indian film industries, elaborated on a pivotal conversation that shed light on Dhar’s entry into cinema. “One day, while we were sitting together in the evening, I asked him how he got into films. He told me he had been expelled from the university team in Delhi, and after that, he didn’t know what to do.”

This difficult period proved transformative for Dhar when he found inspiration in Priyadarshan’s own work. “Then he said he watched my film Gardish, and that inspired him to get into filmmaking,” Priyadarshan shared, highlighting how creative influence can shape career trajectories in the industry.

Their professional relationship developed during international shoots, fostering a mentor-mentee dynamic. “We worked together in London and Scotland, and he was very comfortable. It felt like watching someone grow in front of you,” Priyadarshan recalled.

The filmmaker expressed profound satisfaction in witnessing Dhar’s evolution and success. “It’s like when your students or disciples grow in life—that’s the greatest joy you can have. I felt very proud seeing what Aditya has achieved today.”

Dhar gained significant recognition with his 2019 directorial “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” which not only performed exceptionally at the box office but also earned him a National Film Award for Best Director. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal, marked Dhar’s emergence as a filmmaker with a distinctive voice in Indian cinema.

The conversation inevitably turned to the current debate surrounding Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise. Critics have labeled the films as “propaganda,” a characterization that Priyadarshan firmly rejected. “There is nothing called propaganda. You are simply presenting something to the audience,” he asserted, defending Dhar’s creative choices.

Priyadarshan emphasized that public reception should be the true measure of a film’s value. “When the entire country has accepted a film, why should a few opinions matter?” he questioned, highlighting the disconnect between critical discourse and audience appreciation.

This debate reflects broader tensions in Indian cinema, where films with patriotic or nationalistic themes often face scrutiny over their political messaging. The Dhurandhar franchise has reportedly resonated with mainstream audiences while simultaneously drawing criticism from some quarters for its portrayal of certain narratives.

“If a film has been accepted by the majority of India, that itself proves its worth. A few opinions don’t matter—just leave them aside,” Priyadarshan concluded, suggesting that commercial success and public endorsement ultimately validate a filmmaker’s work.

The discussion comes at a time when Indian cinema is witnessing an increase in films centered around national security, historical figures, and patriotic themes. Industry analysts note that such films have generally performed well at the box office, indicating strong audience interest despite ongoing debates about their thematic approach.

As Dhar continues to build on his filmmaking career with the Dhurandhar franchise, Priyadarshan’s comments offer a glimpse into both the personal struggles behind the success and the complex reception of politically charged content in contemporary Indian cinema.