Rakesh Bedi Defends ‘Dhurandhar’ Film Against Propaganda Allegations

Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has firmly pushed back against allegations that the blockbuster film franchise “Dhurandhar” serves as political propaganda, defending the production as an accurate portrayal of real-life events rather than fabricated narrative.

In a recent interview with Zoom, Bedi, who portrayed the character Jameel Jamali in both “Dhurandhar” and its sequel “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” expressed frustration with the criticism the films have received despite their commercial success.

“If this were presented as a documentary, people would praise it,” Bedi remarked in Hindi during the interview. “But because it’s a film making money, they couldn’t digest it. However, there’s nothing false about it.”

The veteran actor emphasized that the film depicts actual incidents without embellishment, questioning why presenting factual events through cinema should be considered problematic. He suggested that the backlash stems more from the production’s commercial success than from its content.

The “Dhurandhar” franchise has established itself as a significant milestone in Indian cinema, breaking numerous box office records while sparking debate about the portrayal of sensitive geopolitical issues on screen. Released in 2025, the original film is an espionage thriller featuring Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an Indian intelligence operative who infiltrates Pakistan’s criminal underworld to dismantle terrorist networks.

The narrative follows Hamza’s perilous long-term undercover assignment within Karachi’s notorious Lyari gang, a storyline that continues in the sequel, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge.” The follow-up film, which hit theaters on March 19, has achieved blockbuster status, further cementing the franchise’s commercial appeal despite the controversy surrounding it.

The films have ignited a broader conversation within Indian cinema about the fine line between patriotic storytelling and political messaging. Critics arguing the “propaganda” angle suggest the franchise presents a one-sided view of complex geopolitical situations, while supporters like Bedi maintain it simply dramatizes actual events.

The debate reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema where films addressing national security, terrorism, and cross-border relations often become lightning rods for political discourse. Similar controversies have surrounded other recent productions that deal with India-Pakistan relations or counter-terrorism operations.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, who previously helmed the National Award-winning film “URI: The Surgical Strike,” the “Dhurandhar” franchise has clearly touched a nerve in the cultural landscape. Dhar’s background in creating nationalistic thrillers has made him a prominent figure in this evolving genre of Indian cinema.

Film industry analysts note that the commercial success of such productions indicates strong audience interest in narratives centered around national security themes. The “Dhurandhar” franchise has particularly resonated with viewers across multiple demographics, suggesting that beyond any political messaging, the films have connected with audiences primarily as compelling entertainment.

Bedi’s defense comes at a time when the relationship between entertainment and politics remains a hotly debated topic in India’s media landscape. As an established actor with decades of experience across television, theater, and film, his perspective carries weight in the industry.

The “Dhurandhar” controversy highlights the increasingly complex role cinema plays in shaping public discourse around sensitive geopolitical issues, with audiences and critics alike questioning where artistic expression ends and political messaging begins.