Ravi Kishan Champions Dhurandhar Franchise as Film Industry “Wake-Up Call”

Veteran actor Ravi Kishan has come out strongly in support of director Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar franchise starring Ranveer Singh, describing it as a transformative moment for Indian cinema while rejecting criticisms that label the film as propaganda.

In a candid conversation with ABP Live, Kishan characterized the film as more than entertainment, calling it “a big eye-opener for new-age cinema” and “a mirror to society” that reveals historical truths and internal conspiracies that have affected the country.

“It shows what happened in the past, the kind of conspiracies that take place in the country—even by people living within it,” Kishan stated. He praised the film’s technical execution, noting its “strong editing, powerful background score, and intense performances—full of energy and madness.”

Addressing the ongoing debate surrounding the film’s political messaging, Kishan expressed disappointment at critics who have dismissed it as propaganda. “It’s unfortunate that people are calling it propaganda. This is not propaganda—it’s a film,” he emphasized.

The actor highlighted the personal connection behind the storytelling, pointing out that Dhar’s Kashmiri Pandit background informs the narrative. “A young filmmaker, a Kashmiri Pandit, has beautifully portrayed his pain and patriotism,” he said, while also commending Ranveer Singh and the production team for their commitment to the project.

In a pointed message to detractors, Kishan advised, “If you are weak, don’t try to pull down someone else’s success. Look at your own shortcomings and create something new.”

The film’s impact has transcended regional boundaries in India, a phenomenon that Kishan finds particularly significant. “This is a revolution. I’ve worked in Telugu cinema too, but for the first time I’ve seen Hindi films running housefull in Andhra and Tamil Nadu like this,” he observed, highlighting the unprecedented crossover appeal of the franchise.

Perhaps most surprising is the film’s reported reception in Pakistan. According to Kishan, “Even in Pakistan, people are talking about Dhurandhar in interviews. They are watching it secretly—even pirated versions are trending.” This international reach suggests the film has touched on themes that resonate beyond national borders.

The South Indian film industry, known for its own distinctive cinema traditions, has also embraced the film, according to Kishan. “The South industry has welcomed it wholeheartedly. Genuine filmmakers have welcomed it. It’s creating history,” he said.

Viewing the franchise through a broader industry lens, Kishan believes Dhurandhar represents a pivotal shift in Indian cinema. “This is a wake-up call. A new cinema has been born—a new era of filmmaking has begun,” he declared.

The actor attributes the film’s success to its ability to balance factual storytelling with entertainment value. “The key is how you present truth with entertainment. Dhurandhar has achieved that balance beautifully,” Kishan explained.

His admiration extends to filmmaker Aditya Dhar personally, placing him among a select group of visionary directors. “Every 20 years, a filmmaker comes along who changes cinema. I welcome him,” Kishan remarked, suggesting Dhar’s work marks a generational shift in Indian filmmaking.

The Dhurandhar franchise continues to spark discussions about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and historical narrative in Indian cinema, with supporters like Kishan viewing it as an authentic expression of lived experience rather than calculated propaganda.