Mumbai – The recently released film "Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge" has garnered significant box office success, grossing over ₹1,837 crore worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing Indian film of all time. This commercial triumph comes despite widespread criticism labeling it as "propaganda," a term also frequently applied to the 2022 film "The Kashmir Files," sparking renewed debate within India's cinematic landscape. A recent tweet highlighted this ongoing controversy, stating, > "Leftists who called Kashmir files propganda are now promoting this flop propaganda 😂"
"The Kashmir Files," released in March 2022, ignited a national discussion for its portrayal of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s. Critics, including Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, who chaired the International Film Festival of India jury, described it as a "propaganda, vulgar movie." Lapid's remarks at the festival's closing ceremony in November 2022 intensified the debate, with many accusing the film of presenting a one-sided narrative that fueled anti-Muslim sentiment.
"Dhurandhar 2," a spy action-thriller starring Ranveer Singh, has similarly faced accusations of being hypernationalistic and pro-government. Political commentator Dhruv Rathee notably described the film as "well-made propaganda," comparing it to "Nazi propaganda films" and arguing it is "more dangerous" due to its gripping entertainment value. Despite these critical assessments, the film has achieved monumental financial success, directly contradicting the "flop" characterization in the aforementioned tweet.
The film's strong performance, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala which have historically resisted the ruling party's political expansion, has been attributed by analysts to its entertainment quotient rather than political alignment. Industry observers suggest that audiences are drawn to its spectacle and engaging narrative, often overlooking the political subtext that draws criticism from liberal commentators and sections of the international press. This trend underscores a growing disconnect between critical reception and audience turnout for politically charged films in India.
