Politics And Cinema Collide With The Success Of ‘Dhurandhar’

NEW DELHI -Filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s latest release ‘Dhurandhar’ has sparked a heated nationwide debate, with several political parties accusing the film of promoting government propaganda. The government, however, has maintained that the movie merely depicts terrorism and that the government has had no role or influence in its making.

Released on December 5, the high-octane spy thriller is written and directed by Aditya Dhar. Starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, the film traces covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of major geopolitical and terror-related events, including the Kandahar plane hijacking, the 2001 Parliament terror attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

While some viewers have praised the film for its cinematic scale, gripping narrative, and ambitious storytelling, others have criticized what they describe as an overtly hyper-nationalist tone and the extensive portrayal of violence, calling it unsettling and provocative.

Reports have also surfaced that ‘Dhurandhar’ has been blocked from release in several Gulf countries due to its content. However, this is not the first instance of Indian films facing restrictions or bans in Gulf nations over sensitive themes or perceived anti-Pakistan narratives.

Reacting to the controversy, BJP national spokesperson Rohan Gupta said, “I don’t think everything should be associated with religion. ‘Dhurandhar’ is a film based on a true story, and the purpose of any film is to present reality to the audience.”

“Linking everything to religion, even creativity, doesn’t seem right to me. Viewers should be allowed to exercise their own judgment about what feels right or wrong. Opposing creative work in the name of religion is not a healthy mindset,” he added.

BJP MP Bhim Singh echoed similar views. “The film depicts terrorism, and it so happens that some terrorists are associated with Islam. If terrorists practice Islam, how is that the filmmakers’ problem? There should not be any objection to the film,” he said.

However, opposition parties have taken a sharply different stand.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ameeque Jamei accused the filmmakers of aligning themselves with the ruling establishment’s narrative,  “The acting in the film is commendable. However, the film has, perhaps inadvertently, become part of the government’s propaganda machinery. The James Bond shown in it is the same James Bond involved when we handed over a terrorist to Pakistan. Even during the Parliament attack, it was the same James Bond.”

“The film gives a strong message to the people of Balochistan, which is a good thing. However, it should have been directed independently, without government influence,” he added. (IANS)