Dhurandhar Controversy: Film, Free Speech, and the Debate That Refuses to Fade
Dhurandhar Controversy: Aditya Dhar’s latest spy thriller, Dhurandhar, has remained at the center of public discussion ever since its theatrical release. The film has not only delivered impressive box office figures but has also triggered intense debates among audiences, critics, and political commentators. While a large section of viewers has appreciated the gripping narrative, scale, and performances, the movie has simultaneously drawn criticism for its political undertones and its claim of being inspired by real events.
A Film That Sparked More Than Entertainment
From the very beginning, Dhurandhar positioned itself as a hard-hitting spy drama rooted in realism. The film’s trailer openly stated that it was inspired by true incidents, instantly raising expectations among viewers looking for authenticity. The inclusion of references to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the portrayal of cross-border intelligence operations made the film feel closer to reality than typical action thrillers. This sense of realism became one of the strongest reasons behind both its praise and its criticism.
Dhruv Rathee’s Criticism and the Propaganda Claim
Political commentator and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee added fuel to the debate by releasing a video titled “Reality of Dhurandhar” on his YouTube channel. In the video, he described the film as dangerous propaganda and accused it of spreading misleading narratives under the guise of real events. Rathee argued that when cinema claims to be inspired by reality, audiences tend to believe it more easily, making the impact far stronger than fictional spy films.
According to him, the use of actual audio recordings, references to real terrorist attacks, and characters inspired by real individuals blur the line between fiction and fact. He claimed that such storytelling can shape public opinion in problematic ways, especially when the narrative is one-sided. Rathee went on to say that well-produced propaganda can be more harmful than poorly made films because of its ability to emotionally influence viewers.
Naveen Kaushik Responds to the Allegations
The criticism did not go unanswered. Actor Naveen Kaushik, who plays the character Donga in the film, reacted to Rathee’s comments during an interview. He made it clear that while Rathee is free to express his opinions, he personally does not agree with them. Naveen stated that as someone associated with the film, his perspective naturally differs from that of an external commentator.
He also added a sharp remark, suggesting that Rathee benefited from the film’s popularity by gaining additional views through his critical video. His response reflected the sentiment of several members of the film fraternity who believe that criticism should be balanced and not dismiss the creative intent behind cinema.
Industry Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Apart from Naveen Kaushik, other voices from the entertainment industry also reacted to the controversy. Actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee publicly criticized Rathee on social media, urging him to stop targeting the film. Social platforms quickly became battlegrounds of opinion, with audiences divided between those supporting creative freedom and those concerned about responsible storytelling.
This online debate significantly amplified the film’s visibility, ensuring that Dhurandhar remained part of daily conversations well beyond cinema halls.
Box Office Performance Amid Controversy
Despite the heated discussions, the commercial performance of the film has remained unaffected. According to trade reports from Sacnilk, Dhurandhar has collected approximately Rs 589.50 crore in India, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The strong earnings suggest that controversy may have actually increased curiosity among viewers rather than discouraging them.
The film features a powerful ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal. Encouraged by its success, the makers have already announced a sequel, scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.
Cinema, Responsibility, and Audience Choice
The ongoing Dhurandhar debate highlights a larger conversation about cinema’s responsibility when drawing inspiration from real events. While filmmakers argue for creative freedom, critics emphasize the need for ethical storytelling. Ultimately, the controversy underlines one truth: audiences today are more aware, vocal, and willing to question narratives presented on screen.
As the discussion continues,Dhurandhar stands as an example of how modern cinema can influence not just entertainment trends but also public discourse.