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Ranveer Singh’s action thriller “Dhurandhar” continues to dominate the box office, surpassing the Rs 350 crore mark since its December 5 release, despite facing intense criticism over its alleged political undertones. The film has polarized audiences and critics alike, sparking heated debates across social media platforms and public forums about its messaging and intent.
In a notable show of industry support, actor Nikitin Dheer has publicly defended the film against what he describes as predetermined narratives designed to undermine its success. Dheer, son of the late veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, shared a video review of the film on Instagram, praising its technical achievements and artistic merit.
“Dhurandhar has united the audience because, before its release, there was a strange narrative declaring it a flop even before it hit theatres,” Dheer stated in his post. “The people who pushed that narrative disappeared once the film started working.”
The actor specifically highlighted the film’s cinematography, background score, and performances, while commending director Aditya Dhar for his vision and execution. Dheer’s endorsement carries weight in an industry where peers often remain silent about controversial projects.
In his passionate defense, Dheer advocated for more films that evoke national pride and emotional responses from audiences. “I believe more such films should be made, films that make you feel proud and even provoke anger. If you read India’s geopolitical past, you will realise how accurate and important this film is,” he remarked, expressing hope that the film would continue its commercial success and potentially reach between Rs 500 crore and Rs 800 crore.
The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar” appears to have fueled rather than hindered its box office performance, a phenomenon that has become increasingly common with politically charged films in the Indian market. Industry analysts note that divisive public discourse often translates to increased curiosity among moviegoers, driving ticket sales.
In the caption to his Instagram post, Dheer took aim at critics and detractors, suggesting their opposition stemmed from an inability to control the film’s narrative. “People usually hate what they can’t control. Dhurandhar has demolished every hurdle in its path, shown the truth in the most cinematically beautiful way, destroyed false narratives and proved that Bollywood is alive and thriving,” he wrote.
The actor’s defense extended beyond the film itself to address what he perceives as broader ideological divisions. “May we see things for what they truly are, may we not be misled by pseudo-intellectuals and their flowery words, and may we remain united in our love and dedication towards our country,” Dheer stated, concluding with a tribute to military personnel as “real heroes” who dedicate their lives to the nation.
Director Aditya Dhar acknowledged Dheer’s support, responding with gratitude: “Such a well-put thought! Thank you so much, Nikitin sir. Lots of love!”
“Dhurandhar” features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh in the lead role, alongside industry veterans Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan in pivotal characters. The film represents part of a growing trend in Bollywood toward nationalistic storytelling, a genre that has proven commercially successful in recent years despite often dividing critical opinion.
The film’s continued commercial success amid controversy highlights the evolving relationship between political messaging and entertainment in Indian cinema, where box office returns increasingly demonstrate that polarizing content can translate to significant financial gains, regardless of critical reception or online backlash.
As “Dhurandhar” pushes toward higher box office milestones, the conversation surrounding its content and impact is likely to remain at the forefront of industry discussions, exemplifying the complex intersection of entertainment, politics, and commercial viability in contemporary Indian filmmaking.
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5 Comments
Nikitin Dheer makes a fair point about the ‘strange narrative’ trying to undermine ‘Dhurandhar’ even before its release. Dismissing a film before it hits theaters does seem unfair. His defense of the director’s vision and execution is a valuable industry perspective to consider.
The box office success of ‘Dhurandhar’ despite the controversy suggests there is an audience appetite for the film’s content. Nikitin Dheer’s praise for the cinematography, score, and performances indicates the production values are strong. It will be worth watching how this debate evolves.
Nikitin Dheer’s endorsement of ‘Dhurandhar’ provides an insider’s view on the debate surrounding the film. His praise for the production values and direction suggests the criticism may be overly focused on the film’s political aspects. This nuanced discussion is valuable for audiences to consider.
The controversy around ‘Dhurandhar’ highlights how political messaging in films can be a polarizing topic. Nikitin Dheer’s support for the technical and artistic merits of the film is a reasonable counterpoint to the criticism. It will be interesting to see how this debate evolves.
It’s interesting to see the mixed reactions to ‘Dhurandhar’. While some have criticized it for political undertones, it’s good to see industry support like Nikitin Dheer’s defense of the film’s technical and artistic merit. Debates around messaging and intent can be healthy for cinema.