Shatrughan Sinha Defends Director Dhurandhar, Praises Ranveer Singh’s Performance Amid Controversy

Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha has come to the defense of the film “Dhurandhar” amid growing criticism on social media platforms where some viewers have labeled it as propaganda. In a detailed statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sinha offered unwavering support for the spy action thriller, dismissing the propaganda allegations while highlighting what he considers the film’s artistic merits.

“What ‘propaganda’ film??? A film is a film is a film,” wrote the veteran actor in his passionate endorsement. “It’s a great film, gripping, interesting, and full of entertainment, made with sincerity.” He particularly praised the production design, noting how Thailand locations were transformed to convincingly depict Pakistani settings with remarkable authenticity.

Sinha’s comments come at a time when political undertones in mainstream Indian cinema have increasingly become the subject of heated debate among critics and audiences alike. The film industry has seen several recent productions facing similar scrutiny over their portrayal of geopolitical narratives.

In his detailed review, the actor highlighted technical elements of the production, singling out the cinematography and editing as particularly noteworthy. He reserved special praise for the film’s lead actor Ranveer Singh, describing his performance as “outstanding” and claiming he “fits the bill” perfectly for the role.

The ensemble cast also received acknowledgment, with Sinha mentioning Sanjay Dutt (whom he referred to as “worthy son of the most worthy father late and great Sunil Dutt”), Akshaye Khanna (son of legendary actor Vinod Khanna), and character actor Rakesh Bedi. Sinha described Bedi’s contribution as “the icing on the cake” with “a fine balancing act which only he could have done.”

Director Aditya Dhar, who previously gained critical acclaim for his work on “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” was lauded by Sinha as a “role model in cinema” and “most sought after, successful filmmaker.” Dhar’s directorial approach was credited for bringing out strong performances from the entire cast.

“Dhurandhar” represents a significant investment for Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the production companies behind the project. The film is reportedly the first installment of a planned two-part espionage series, with the narrative centered around counter-terrorism operations. The sequel is already scheduled for release on March 19, continuing the story of protagonist Jaskirat’s journey into the world of espionage.

The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar” highlights the increasingly complex relationship between entertainment and political narratives in contemporary Indian cinema. Several high-profile Bollywood releases in recent years have faced similar scrutiny regarding their ideological positioning and historical interpretations.

Adding to the controversy, tech entrepreneur Sabeer Bhatia, co-founder of Hotmail, has reportedly criticized the film, calling it “disgusting” ahead of the sequel’s release—creating a stark contrast to Sinha’s effusive praise.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble that includes industry veterans alongside newer talents. Beyond the lead cast of Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Sanjay Dutt, the production also features Arjun Rampal and R. Madhavan in significant roles, bringing together multiple generations of Indian cinema talent.

With its December 5th release, “Dhurandhar” has generated substantial box office attention despite the controversy, demonstrating the ongoing commercial appeal of nationalist-themed action thrillers in the Indian market. The film’s marketing strategy, which Sinha specifically praised for its effective use of YouTube, has helped build a significant audience despite the polarized critical reception.

As the debate continues and the sequel approaches, “Dhurandhar” remains a talking point in industry circles, exemplifying the increasingly blurred lines between entertainment, politics, and public discourse in contemporary Indian cinema.