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Ram Gopal Varma Defends ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Against Propaganda Claims
Aditya Dhar’s “Dhurandhar 2” continues its impressive box office run, dominating theaters in its first five days despite facing criticism from some quarters who label it as “propaganda.” Among the film’s vocal supporters is filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who has stepped up his defense of the movie against its detractors.
In a recent interview with ANI, Varma, known for directing acclaimed films like “Satya,” expressed profound admiration for Dhar’s work. “Merely calling it a film doesn’t capture its essence,” he remarked, suggesting that “Dhurandhar 2” represents a cinematic achievement unseen in mainstream Indian cinema for decades.
“Aditya Dhar has transformed the framework of mainstream cinema,” Varma elaborated. He particularly praised the film’s climax and its ability to seamlessly integrate traditional Bollywood elements like item numbers and action sequences into a cohesive narrative experience.
When confronted with accusations that “Dhurandhar 2” is propaganda, Varma dismissed such characterizations outright. “I don’t understand what propaganda means. Everyone has their own perspective,” he stated in Hindi. “If prosecution accuses someone, defense defends them. Everyone has their own viewpoint, and Aditya Dhar has presented his. If you disagree or think it’s propaganda or lies, then make your own film against it.”
Varma’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about political messaging in Indian cinema, particularly in films dealing with sensitive geopolitical themes. His suggestion that critics should respond with their own artistic expressions rather than mere criticism points to deeper questions about how controversial narratives should be engaged with in public discourse.
The original “Dhurandhar,” released in December 2025, became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films in history, collecting approximately Rs 1,300 crore globally and setting new domestic box office records. The sequel appears poised to surpass those numbers, having already accumulated Rs 850 crore within just five days of release.
“Dhurandhar 2” boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, supported by industry veterans including Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi. The narrative follows an Indian spy, Jaskirat Singh Rangi (played by Singh), who assumes the identity of Hamza Ali Mazari to infiltrate Karachi’s criminal underworld in Lyari, Pakistan. His mission involves dismantling terrorist networks operating in the region.
The film has garnered praise from prominent Bollywood figures including Alia Bhatt, SS Rajamouli, and Kangana Ranaut, further cementing its position as a significant cultural phenomenon despite the controversy surrounding its content.
Industry analysts note that films touching on nationalist themes have seen increasing commercial success in recent years, reflecting shifting audience preferences and the growing intersection between entertainment and political sentiment in India’s media landscape.
The debate around “Dhurandhar 2” illustrates the complex relationship between commercial cinema, political messaging, and audience reception in contemporary India, where box office success and ideological discussions often go hand in hand.
As the film continues its theatrical run, the conversation around its content and impact is likely to persist, highlighting cinema’s role not just as entertainment but as a platform for engaging with national narratives and identity.
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7 Comments
Varma’s comments have piqued my curiosity about ‘Dhurandhar 2’. As an experienced filmmaker, his perspective on the film’s technical and narrative merits deserves consideration, even if one may disagree on the ‘propaganda’ question. I’ll keep an open mind in evaluating the work.
Interesting take from Ram Gopal Varma on the ‘Dhurandhar 2’ controversy. He seems to see it as a bold cinematic achievement, not just propaganda. I’m curious to learn more about how the film integrates traditional Bollywood elements in a novel way.
I agree, the director’s comments have piqued my interest. It will be informative to see how the film blends genres and styles to create a fresh cinematic experience.
Varma’s passionate defense of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is intriguing. As a respected filmmaker, his insights carry weight. I’m intrigued to see how the film challenges mainstream Bollywood conventions, as he suggests. A nuanced exploration of complex topics can be valuable.
Varma raises a fair point – the term ‘propaganda’ can be subjective. Whether one sees ‘Dhurandhar 2’ as propaganda or a groundbreaking film likely depends on one’s own perspectives and biases. I’ll withhold judgment until I can view the film myself.
That’s a wise approach. It’s always best to form one’s own opinion rather than blindly accepting accusations of propaganda. A open-minded viewing of the film seems the best way to evaluate its merits.
The debate around ‘propaganda’ in films is a tricky one. Varma makes a fair point that people can interpret things differently. I’ll have to watch ‘Dhurandhar 2’ myself to form my own view on whether it succeeds as cinema or becomes overly ideological.