The Bollywood film Dhurandhar: The Revenge is witnessing massive box office success while simultaneously triggering sharp political and public debate over its content and messaging.
Despite its strong commercial performance, the film has been criticised by several political figures, who have labelled it as propaganda. AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan called for a ban, alleging that the film is built on falsehoods and is intended to spread hatred. He accused filmmakers of promoting divisive narratives for profit. Similarly, Congress MP Tariq Anwar criticised the film, claiming it fuels communal tensions and aligns with a broader ideological agenda.
Amid this criticism, former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid has come out in support of the film. He argued that the movie portrays difficult and uncomfortable realities rather than fabricating narratives. According to him, the backlash stems from the harsh truths depicted in the storyline, particularly regarding criminal networks and their alleged links.
The controversy has unfolded alongside the film’s strong box office performance. Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, the film has recorded exceptionally high collections, with early estimates indicating a rapid move toward major revenue milestones within its opening weekend.
The situation reflects a familiar pattern where commercially successful films dealing with sensitive geopolitical or social themes generate both widespread popularity and intense political scrutiny.
