Sandeep Reddy Vanga Defends ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Against Propaganda Claims

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has publicly defended the blockbuster film ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ against claims of it being propaganda, calling out what he perceives as industry hypocrisy in a strongly-worded social media post.

The film, starring Ranveer Singh, has dominated the box office in recent weeks, completing its third week with a substantial Rs 110.60 crore collection. Despite its commercial success, the movie has sparked intense debate in film circles and among viewers.

After watching the film alongside actor Prabhas, Vanga took to social media to express his support: “Writers & actors built careers on propaganda, and the industry stayed quiet like cats. Now the same clan mock Dhurandhar. You don’t get to call yourself liberal if your first instinct is to Mock,” he wrote, challenging critics of the film.

Vanga, known for directing controversial but commercially successful films like ‘Kabir Singh,’ further questioned the labeling of certain narratives as propaganda: “Don’t know when truth started getting labeled as propaganda… strange times.” His remarks highlight the growing polarization in how films with nationalistic themes are perceived in the current cultural climate.

In a colorful warning to the film’s director Aditya Dhar and lead actor Ranveer Singh about potential negativity or the “evil eye,” Vanga used metaphorical language suggesting they would need more than token gestures to ward off criticism. He concluded his post by praising ‘Dhurandhar 2’ as an “outstanding film.”

The controversy surrounding ‘Dhurandhar 2’ reflects a broader trend in Indian cinema, where films with nationalistic themes often face scrutiny about their political messaging. Industry observers note that such films have become lightning rods for debate about the line between patriotic storytelling and political propaganda.

Aditya Dhar responded warmly to Vanga’s support, writing: “Mere Pyaare Sandeep, I genuinely love the way you stand your ground and give it back when it matters. There’s a real honesty and belief in that and it’s something I truly respect.” Dhar, who rose to prominence with the National Award-winning film ‘URI: The Surgical Strike,’ added that he has “always looked up to how you back your cinema without any doubt or noise.”

The exchange between the two filmmakers reveals the camaraderie that often develops among directors who tackle similar themes or face comparable criticism. Dhar also expressed interest in potential collaboration, concluding his message with well-wishes for Vanga’s upcoming project ‘Spirit.’

This public conversation comes at a time when the Indian film industry is increasingly divided along ideological lines. Several prominent celebrities have praised ‘Dhurandhar 2,’ while the silence of others has become a topic of discussion in film circles.

The film’s box office performance—though falling short of some records set by its predecessor—demonstrates that controversial content can still attract substantial audiences. Industry analysts suggest that the debate surrounding the film may have actually boosted its visibility and commercial appeal.

As ‘Dhurandhar 2’ continues its theatrical run, the discussion around cinematic representation, political messaging, and artistic freedom is likely to persist. The film has become more than just entertainment—it’s now a cultural touchpoint in ongoing debates about the role and responsibility of commercial cinema in reflecting or influencing social and political narratives.

For Vanga, whose own films have faced criticism for their portrayal of relationships and masculinity, defending ‘Dhurandhar 2’ aligns with his broader stance against what he perceives as selective criticism in the film industry.