Amidst the roaring success of Aditya Dhar's "Dhurandhar," which has grossed over ₹800 crore globally in just over two weeks, the film has ignited a fiery debate regarding its political narrative, prompting accusations of propaganda. In an exclusive interview, Danish Pandor, who plays Uzair Baloch in the movie, addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the film refrains from imposing a specific viewpoint.
"We're not forcing an opinion," Pandor stated, defending the film against allegations of spreading "nonsense propaganda". He highlighted the film's intent to evoke empathy within viewers, particularly concerning the hostages during the 26/11 attacks. "There were so many hostages inside...you couldn't realize what these guys will be going through," Pandor explained, adding that the film aims to allow viewers to connect with the emotions of those who experienced the harrowing events.
The controversy surrounding "Dhurandhar"'s political messaging was amplified when YouTuber Dhruv Rathee released a video criticizing the film. Rathee accused the film of being "well-made propaganda" and raised concerns about its potential to be dangerous due to its engaging nature. He pointed out the film's blend of fictional elements with real-life incidents, including footage from the 26/11 attacks and audio recordings of conversations between terrorists and their handlers. Rathee has since faced backlash on social media following his statements.
Pandor, however, defended the film's use of real-life events, stating, "Even if you take into consideration the 26/11 attack, you can't deny that,". He further added, regarding the political aspect of the film, "these are all the research things". Ankit Sagar, another actor in "Dhurandhar," echoed this sentiment, asserting that the film's portrayal of R Madhavan's character Ajay Sanyal (loosely based on India's NSA chief Ajit Doval) reflected the existing situation in India at the time.
Aditya Dhar, the film's director, has indirectly responded to the criticism by resharing social media posts that praise the film's success and dismiss the accusations of propaganda. One such note referenced Rathee's video, suggesting that the "video maker got swept away by a wave of criticism against him".
The debate surrounding "Dhurandhar" raises broader questions about the role of cinema in portraying political narratives and historical events. While some argue that films should refrain from taking sides or promoting specific ideologies, others believe that they can serve as a powerful medium for exploring complex issues and sparking important conversations.
"Dhurandhar" depicts three terror episodes including the IC 814 hijack in 1999, the 2001 attack on Parliament and the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. The film's narrative choices and its use of real-life elements have clearly resonated with audiences, contributing to its commercial success. However, these same aspects have also made it a target for criticism, highlighting the challenges and complexities of creating films that tackle sensitive political subjects.
