The release of Aditya Dhar's spy thriller "Dhurandhar," starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has ignited a debate among viewers, with some labeling it as propaganda with malicious intentions. This criticism has drawn a response from filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding the film.

The controversy began when a social media user questioned whether Indian cinema had the courage to address sensitive topics like the Unnao rape case, and then went on to accuse "Dhurandhar" of being "propaganda... with an evil intent to monetise on pop nationalism & sectarian mindset".

Sudhir Mishra, known for films like "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi", responded to the user's comment on X (formerly Twitter) by defending Aditya Dhar's work. While acknowledging that his own filmmaking sensibilities differ from Dhar's, Mishra praised "Dhurandhar" as a "well-made film" and lauded Dhar's skill as a director. He specifically highlighted Dhar's ability to create a vivid sense of place for the audience, along with the film's casting choices. Mishra countered the propaganda claim by stating, "Make a powerful film, with all the virtues of a great cinema experience which counters it".

Mishra also took the opportunity to address the broader perception of Bollywood, stating, "Also please stop lumping us all under one brand, called Bollywood. We belong to the Indian Film Industry and we are all different". This statement emphasizes the diversity within the Indian film industry and pushes back against generalizations.

The accusations of propaganda against "Dhurandhar" aren't new. Some critics have pointed out instances in the film where characters express longing for a "future government" that would be tougher on terrorists, and a reference to a minister allegedly selling currency plates to Pakistani agents. Such scenes have been interpreted as having a pro-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaning. One source notes that "Dhurandhar does have more than a tinge of pro-BJP propaganda".

Conversely, some defend the film's portrayal of geopolitical realities and its unflinching depiction of terrorism. They argue that the film truthfully portrays Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism and reveals the suffering inflicted on Indian soldiers. Some have accused critics of hypocrisy, alleging that they are quick to label films as propaganda when they align with nationalist sentiments but celebrate films that abandon politics altogether.

The film has achieved significant commercial success, reportedly earning over ₹800 crore worldwide in 16 days. It has also garnered praise from government officials, retired military personnel, and independent analysts for its responsible handling of sensitive issues.

"Dhurandhar" tells the story of an Indian spy infiltrating Karachi's criminal and political underworl. The plot incorporates real-life events involving geopolitical tensions, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks and events surrounding Operation Lyari.

Adding another layer to the film's narrative, reports indicate that the filmmakers were asked to mute the word "Baloch" in the film.

Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna, who plays a key role in "Dhurandhar," has moved on to other projects, including the Telugu film "Mahakali".