New Delhi, Dec 22 (.) The Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘Dhurandhar’, which has earned over Rs 800 crore worldwide in just 17 days, is generating debate not only for its gripping screenplay and high-octane action but also for its portrayal of real-life incidents and political messaging.
The spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, depicts three major terror episodes, the 1999 IC 814 hijack, the 2001 attack on Parliament, and the November 26, 2008 Mumbai attacks, woven into the story of an Indian spy infiltrating gangs in Pakistan.
While actors like Ankit Sagar and Danish Pandor have defended the film’s narrative as grounded in research and historical context, content creator Dhruv Rathee has labelled it “false propaganda.”
In a new video, Rathee said, “Director Aditya Dhar has made a false claim and tried to spread nonsense propaganda through his film.”
Rathee noted that although the film carries a disclaimer calling it fictional, it repeatedly references real events.
“The problem is that ‘Dhurandhar’ repeatedly shows you it’s inspired by real events. The trailer says so. It shows real footage from the 26/11 attacks. The real audio recordings of conversations between terrorists and their handlers have been used. It also uses real-life gangsters and cops from Pakistan’s Lyari,” he said.
He added that “well-made propaganda is more dangerous than outright bad films, because it’s engaging.”
On the other hand, actor Ankit Sagar, who plays Javed Khanani, addressed questions about the political messaging in the film, particularly a line delivered by R Madhavan’s character Ajay Sanyal, loosely based on India’s NSA chief Ajit Doval, stating “Ek Hindustani hi doosre Hindustani ka sabse bada dushman hai” (An Indian is the biggest enemy of another Indian).
Sagar said he avoided taking a political stance, but added, “That was the situation in India at the time. The director must have researched it. So many things happened in the country — demonetisation, and other events. While I cannot comment as an actor… kuch to hua hoga (something must have happened).”
Despite the controversy, ‘Dhurandhar’ continues to receive praise for its action sequences, performances, and gripping storytelling, while discussions around its political narrative and depiction of real-life events continue to spark debate online.
. MI ARN