Dhurandhar Star Rakesh Bedi Dismisses “Propaganda” Claims as Film Breaks Box Office Records

Actor Rakesh Bedi has firmly rejected criticisms labeling the blockbuster spy thriller “Dhurandhar 2” as propaganda, suggesting that such accusations stem more from jealousy over the film’s tremendous commercial success rather than legitimate concerns.

The Ranveer Singh-led franchise has been shattering box office records since its release on March 19, but has simultaneously found itself embroiled in controversy, with a segment of viewers questioning its portrayal of sensitive geopolitical issues.

“It was timely,” Bedi told Zoom in a recent interview, defending the film in which he plays the character Jameel Jamali. He emphasized the film’s overwhelming positive reception from audiences, recounting an interaction with a fan who claimed to have watched the movie ten times.

“The truth is hard to see and understand,” Bedi explained. “I would have considered it wrong only if they had exaggerated or shown something that never actually happened.” He further pointed out what he perceives as a double standard in the criticism: “If it had been a documentary, people would have called it a great piece of work, but since it was a film making money, many were finding it hard to accept – despite there being no falsehood in it.”

The “Dhurandhar” franchise has quickly established itself as one of Indian cinema’s most financially successful ventures. The original film, released in December 2025, grossed over ₹1300 crore (approximately $156 million) worldwide, setting high expectations for the sequel that appears to be meeting or exceeding those benchmarks.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, who previously helmed the National Award-winning film “URI: The Surgical Strike,” the franchise follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent who infiltrates Karachi’s criminal syndicates and political power structures in Pakistan to dismantle terror networks targeting India. This premise has proven both commercially lucrative and politically contentious.

The sequel boasts an impressive ensemble cast alongside Singh, featuring veteran actors Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal, alongside R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Bedi himself. Industry analysts attribute part of the film’s success to this star-studded lineup, which appeals to multiple audience demographics.

The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar 2” reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema where films dealing with nationalistic themes, particularly those involving India-Pakistan relations, often face scrutiny regarding their political messaging. Several other prominent Bollywood personalities have joined Bedi in defending the film, with actors Anupam Kher and Piyush Mishra publicly rejecting the propaganda label.

Film industry experts note that the debate highlights the increasingly blurred line between entertainment and political messaging in contemporary Indian cinema. The past decade has seen a rise in films addressing national security themes, historical conflicts, and patriotic narratives, which have generally performed well commercially while generating varying degrees of controversy.

Despite the ongoing debate, the film’s box office performance suggests that audience reception remains overwhelmingly positive. Theater owners across India report continued high attendance weeks after release, with many shows still selling out in major urban centers.

The success of “Dhurandhar 2” also underscores Ranveer Singh’s growing stature as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, capable of carrying high-budget action franchises that appeal to both domestic and international audiences.

As the film continues its theatrical run, industry watchers are already speculating about the possibility of a third installment in the franchise, with unofficial reports suggesting that pre-production discussions may already be underway, pending formal announcements from the production company.