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Anupam Kher Praises “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” Defends Film Against Propaganda Claims

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has become the latest industry figure to express admiration for director Aditya Dhar’s new film “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role.

In an eight-minute video message shared across his social media platforms, Kher delivered a passionate endorsement of the film, highlighting its merits across multiple dimensions. Despite acknowledging his exhaustion, the 69-year-old actor felt compelled to share his thoughts with his followers immediately after viewing the film.

“The film is outstanding in its writing, direction, acting, and technical aspects,” Kher stated in his detailed review. “It makes you feel so proud of Bharat,” he added, using the traditional Sanskrit name for India that has gained renewed popularity in nationalist discourse.

Kher revealed that he had personally spoken with director Aditya Dhar following his viewing experience. Dhar, who previously directed the National Award-winning film “URI: The Surgical Strike,” has been gaining attention for his portrayal of nationalistic themes in contemporary Indian cinema.

The veteran actor took particular issue with critics who have characterized “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” as jingoistic propaganda. Drawing parallels to the reception of his own film “The Kashmir Files” (2022), which depicted the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir in the 1990s, Kher expressed frustration with this characterization.

“Those who call it a propaganda film should be ashamed,” Kher stated firmly. “The Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar are called propaganda. I feel sad, and all the more pity for them.”

Kher, himself a Kashmiri Pandit who has been vocal about the community’s displacement, defended the film’s portrayal of modern India and what he described as “the brilliance of the government agencies” depicted in the narrative.

“Kashmiri Pandits, and I am including myself, answer with our work, without taking up weapons,” Kher remarked, suggesting that artistic expression serves as his community’s response to historical injustices. He further praised the film’s narrative structure, noting that “happenings in the film were well juxtaposed to happenings in our country.”

This endorsement comes amid India’s evolving cinematic landscape, where films with nationalistic themes have found significant commercial success in recent years. Movies like “URI,” “The Kashmir Files,” and now “Dhurandhar” reflect a growing trend of patriotic storytelling that resonates with domestic audiences while sometimes sparking debates about historical representation and political messaging.

The film industry has witnessed increasing polarization around such content, with some critics raising concerns about historical accuracy and potential political agendas, while supporters defend these narratives as authentic representations of national pride and historical truths.

“Dhurandhar: The Revenge” continues to generate discussion across social media platforms, with audiences and critics divided on its merits and messaging. Ranveer Singh’s performance in the lead role has garnered particular attention, marking a departure from his previous work in more commercial entertainers.

For Kher, whose own career spans over four decades and includes critically acclaimed performances across various genres, this endorsement aligns with his recent pattern of supporting films that address nationalist themes and historical narratives related to his Kashmiri Pandit identity.

As “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” continues its theatrical run, Kher’s endorsement adds another prominent voice to the ongoing conversation about the intersection of cinema, politics, and national identity in contemporary India.