Listen to the article
Animal Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga Praises Dhurandhar 2, Takes Aim at Critics
Controversial filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has publicly endorsed Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh’s latest release, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” while simultaneously criticizing those labeling the film as propaganda. The endorsement came after Vanga was spotted attending a screening of the film with actor Prabhas at Allu Cinemas in Hyderabad on Wednesday evening.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Vanga addressed the criticism surrounding the film with strong words. “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. Don’t know when truth started getting labeled as propaganda…… strange times,” wrote the 44-year-old director.
In the same post, Vanga directly addressed the film’s director and lead actor, writing, “COMING TO THE POINT….. I want to tell @AdityaDharFilms & @RanveerOfficial yeh kaala drishti aise nahi jaayega… Muthi bhar ke laal mirch se kaam nahi chalega…. poora khet jalana padega 🔥” – a colorful expression suggesting they need to take more substantial action against critics. He concluded by calling “Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge” an “outstanding film.”
This public praise marks an interesting development in industry relationships, particularly given Vanga’s recent history with Ranveer Singh’s wife, actress Deepika Padukone. The director was embroiled in controversy after Padukone reportedly exited a project with him. According to industry reports, the disagreement stemmed from the actress requesting an eight-hour work schedule as she had recently become a mother. Following her departure, Vanga cast Triptii Dimri in the Prabhas-led project and allegedly made several public accusations against Padukone.
Vanga, known for directing films like “Animal,” has frequently found himself at the center of controversy for defending what critics describe as problematic behavior portrayed by his male protagonists. His defense of “Dhurandhar 2” against propaganda accusations continues his pattern of taking provocative stances within the industry.
“Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” the second installment in the franchise, features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, Gaurav Gera, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal. The sequel was released on March 19, 2026, following the original film’s debut on December 5, 2025. To maximize its market reach, the film was simultaneously released in multiple regional languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
The film has been performing well at the box office, reportedly surpassing international releases like Chris Hemsworth’s “Crime 101” and Zendaya’s “The Drama.” However, it has also sparked debates about its content and messaging, with some critics and industry insiders labeling it propaganda—a characterization Vanga firmly rejects.
This latest controversy highlights the ongoing tensions in Indian cinema regarding political messaging in mainstream films and the increasingly polarized reactions from both filmmakers and critics. As “Dhurandhar 2” continues its theatrical run, the discourse surrounding its content and reception is likely to remain a significant talking point in industry circles.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
Vanga’s comments highlight the complex dynamics at play when it comes to films tackling sensitive industry issues. His defense of the film’s ‘truth’ will resonate with some, but raise skepticism in others.
The mining and commodities sectors will be keenly following this debate over ‘Dhurandhar 2’. Vanga’s fiery response suggests he sees the film as an important statement on an industry facing intense scrutiny.
Vanga’s strong words towards the director and lead actor suggest he sees this as a pivotal moment. The mining and energy industry will be watching closely to see how this controversy plays out.
Interesting to see Vanga openly backing the new film ‘Dhurandhar 2’. He seems to be pushing back against claims of it being propaganda. I wonder what his perspective is on the controversies surrounding the movie.
Vanga makes a fair point about the industry’s selective silence on propaganda. It will be telling to see how the public and critics respond to his defense of the film.
Yes, his comments highlight the double standards that often exist when it comes to labeling films as propaganda. Time will tell if ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is able to overcome those accusations.
Vanga seems to be challenging the ‘liberal’ critics who are quick to dismiss the film as propaganda. His defense of the ‘truth’ in the film is an interesting perspective.
Indeed, the lines he draws between truth and propaganda are thought-provoking. It will be interesting to see if his vocal support sways public opinion on the film.