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Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has defended the box office hit “Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge” against criticisms labeling it as propaganda, emphasizing that the film should be appreciated as cinema rather than being categorized politically.
“I don’t believe in politics. I think it’s cinema… Everybody has the right to like or dislike a film. But I don’t think it’s right to put a film into some kind of a category,” Bedi told NDTV in a recent interview. The actor, who portrays the character Jameel Jamali in the Ranveer Singh-led blockbuster, pointed to audience reception as the ultimate verdict: “The verdict is that people are loving it.”
“Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge,” directed by Aditya Dhar, has emerged as one of the year’s major commercial successes, drawing crowds to theaters nationwide. The film has generated substantial conversation not only for its commercial performance but also for its themes, which some critics have characterized as politically charged.
Bedi attributed the film’s success to its exceptional production quality and storytelling. “Dhurandhar’s writing, screenplay is great. People haven’t seen a film of this scale being mounted ever,” he remarked, suggesting that audiences are connecting with the film on its merits rather than any political messaging.
The veteran actor, whose career spans decades in Indian cinema and television, expressed amazement at the public reception. “This is a mad frenzy which is going on. I’ve never seen something like this in my career,” he said, encouraging moviegoers to experience the film in theaters. “So many shows are going on round the clock… People are celebrating cinema.”
The film has generated international attention as well, with a viral video showing Finland President Alexander Stubb and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussing “Dhurandhar” during a run in London. Bedi was clearly moved by this global recognition, stating, “What could be a bigger compliment? I was elated.”
Speaking about his collaboration with Ranveer Singh, one of Bollywood’s most energetic leading men, Bedi offered insights into their professional dynamic. “Stardom of any star is an outside phenomenon… When you’re on set, you are in character,” he explained. “Everybody has to be on the same page and give respect to each other. Only then the magic happens.”
Bedi had particular praise for director Aditya Dhar’s vision and execution. Recalling conversations during production, he shared, “He used to say, ‘We are going to raise the bar.’ After I saw the film, I told him, ‘You have not raised the bar, you have broken the bar.'”
For Bedi, who has been a familiar face to Indian audiences for decades through his work in films like “Chashme Buddoor” and numerous television shows, this role represents a significant career milestone. “It is a gift… I give full credit to Aditya Dhar for casting me,” he acknowledged, expressing gratitude for being part of such a high-profile project at this stage in his career.
“Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge” boasts an ensemble cast featuring some of Indian cinema’s most established talents alongside Ranveer Singh and Bedi, including R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun in key roles.
The film continues to dominate box office discussions and demonstrate strong commercial staying power, reinforcing the evolution of Indian cinema’s production values and global appeal. Whether viewed as pure entertainment or through a political lens, the film has undeniably succeeded in capturing public attention and generating substantial discourse about the intersection of politics and entertainment in modern Indian filmmaking.
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8 Comments
It’s understandable that a film with such a prominent theme would generate debate around its political messaging. However, Bedi’s emphasis on appreciating ‘Dhurandhar 2’ as cinema first is a valid perspective. The audience’s positive reaction speaks volumes about the film’s overall quality and entertainment value.
Interesting to hear Rakesh Bedi defend the film against accusations of propaganda. As an experienced actor, his perspective on judging a film’s worth based on its artistic merits rather than political leanings carries weight. I’ll have to check out ‘Dhurandhar 2’ and make up my own mind.
It’s interesting to see the debate around the political messaging in ‘Dhurandhar 2’. While films should be appreciated for their artistic merit, it’s understandable that some may view the themes as potentially charged. I’ll have to watch it to form my own opinion.
Bedi’s comments on not pigeonholing ‘Dhurandhar 2’ as propaganda are interesting. While the film’s themes may be politically charged, his view that it should be judged primarily on its cinematic merits makes sense. The audience’s enthusiastic response is a strong endorsement of the film’s quality.
While some may view ‘Dhurandhar 2’ through a political lens, Bedi’s emphasis on appreciating it as cinema makes sense. The audience’s positive reception is a strong endorsement of the film’s quality and storytelling. I’m intrigued to see how the themes and production values come together.
Bedi’s defense of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ against propaganda claims is thought-provoking. His point about judging the film on its artistic merit rather than political categorization is a fair one. The audience’s enthusiastic response suggests the film is resonating on a cinematic level, which is ultimately what matters most.
Rakesh Bedi makes a fair point – a film’s success should be judged primarily on its quality as cinema, not its politics. If the audience is connecting with ‘Dhurandhar 2’, that speaks volumes. Looking forward to seeing it for myself.
Agreed, the audience’s positive response is ultimately the best indicator of a film’s merit. I’m curious to see how the themes and messaging are handled, but the impressive production values are an encouraging sign.