Karan Johar Defends ‘Dhurandhar’ Amid Propaganda Accusations, Says Politics in Film Didn’t Offend Him

Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster “Dhurandhar” has etched its name in Indian cinema history by becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time, though its path to box office glory has been marked by heated debate. The spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, has drawn polarized reactions, with a significant portion of viewers labeling it a “propaganda film” while others celebrate its storytelling and direction.

Adding his voice to the conversation, filmmaker Karan Johar recently expressed his unequivocal admiration for the film, making it clear that he wasn’t disturbed by its political undertones. During an interaction with IIMUN, Johar was effusive in his praise, describing his appreciation as “unabashed and unapologetic.”

“I outstandingly loved Dhurandhar. I saw all of it with awe because I loved the craft of the filmmaker, the storytelling, the way it was divided into chapters,” Johar stated. “I loved that the gaze was more internal. It wasn’t against anything; it was for speaking about politics in its own way.”

The acclaimed director and producer addressed the criticism head-on, suggesting that the film’s controversial nature is part of what makes it significant. “I actually wasn’t offended by the politics of the film. I knew where it was heading. Some people could agree or disagree, and that should be cinema,” he explained, noting that he approached the film primarily from an artistic perspective.

Johar also took the opportunity to commend Aditya Dhar, describing him as a “strong and unique voice” in the landscape of Indian cinema. Dhar, who previously directed the National Award-winning film “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” has established himself as a filmmaker with a distinctive approach to patriotic narratives.

Johar’s comments come after Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan faced significant backlash for expressing a more nuanced view of the film. Roshan had shared on Instagram that while he appreciated “Dhurandhar,” he “may disagree with the politics of it.” This measured opinion triggered a swift and harsh response on social media, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding discussions of the film.

The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar” reflects broader tensions in Indian cinema regarding the portrayal of nationalist themes and political ideologies. In recent years, several films with patriotic narratives have achieved commercial success while generating divided critical responses and public opinion.

Industry analysts note that “Dhurandhar” represents a growing trend of high-budget productions that blend action-packed entertainment with political messaging. This approach has proven commercially viable in India’s changing cinematic landscape, where audience preferences increasingly favor content that resonates with national sentiment.

Despite the debates raging online, “Dhurandhar” continues its remarkable box office run, albeit at a slower pace after its initial explosion. To date, the film has accumulated a staggering ₹1329.40 crore (approximately $178 million), cementing its position as a commercial phenomenon regardless of the controversy it has generated.

The film’s success also highlights Ranveer Singh’s drawing power as a leading man capable of carrying major productions. After a series of commercial disappointments, “Dhurandhar” represents a significant comeback for the actor, reestablishing his credentials as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.

As “Dhurandhar” continues its theatrical run, the discussions surrounding its content and messaging show no signs of abating, demonstrating how contemporary Indian cinema increasingly serves as both entertainment and a forum for political and ideological discourse.