Aditya Dhar and the ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Storm: When Box Office Meets Backlash

A Film Dominating Screens—and Dividing Opinion

Director Aditya Dhar has found himself at the center of a sharp and increasingly global debate following the release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

The film, fronted by Ranveer Singh, has emerged as a commercial powerhouse—breaking records and drawing audiences across markets. Yet, alongside its financial success, it has triggered a wave of criticism, with some commentators accusing it of promoting political narratives and blurring lines between fiction and reality.

At the core of the controversy is a familiar tension in modern cinema: the intersection of storytelling, nationalism, and public perception.

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The Criticism That Reignited the Debate

Political commentator and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has been one of the most vocal critics of Dhar’s work.

In a series of posts and video statements, Rathee described Dhurandhar 2 as:

“brain rot”

He went further, reiterating earlier accusations that Dhar’s filmmaking leans into propaganda. According to Rathee, the sequel represents a shift from subtle messaging in the first film to what he characterized as overt ideological framing.

One of his widely circulated remarks read:

“I called Aditya Dhar a BJP propagandist 3 months ago. Now everyone will see it. It was subtle in the previous film, but he went so blatant this time in overconfidence.”

Rathee also framed the film as a poor use of time compared to educational pursuits, contrasting it with his own AI masterclass:

“₹500 for a Propaganda Film or ₹500 for your Future?… brain rot versus brain building.”

This critique did not emerge in isolation. Rathee had previously described the original Dhurandhar as “well-made propaganda,” acknowledging its technical strengths while questioning its ideological undertones.

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The Film’s Narrative: Fiction Rooted in Real-World Context

The Dhurandhar franchise is set against a politically charged backdrop.

The story unfolds in Lyari, Karachi, focusing on covert intelligence operations involving India’s Intelligence Bureau. Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazari, an undercover operative navigating the criminal underworld.

The sequel deepens the character’s arc, tracing his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi while expanding the geopolitical scope of the narrative.

However, one of the central criticisms revolves around the film’s incorporation of real-world elements—such as references to events like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Critics argue that such usage risks blurring the boundary between dramatized fiction and historical reality.

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A Global Conversation Fueled by Contrasting Reactions

Beyond individual commentary, the film’s reception has taken on a global dimension.

A viral video showing a Pakistani family reacting to the film in the UK added a new layer to the discourse. Their candid and critical remarks—calling the film “third-class,” “ghatiya,” and “bakwaas”—spread rapidly across social media platforms.

What amplified the impact was the contrast: the same family had reportedly praised the first installment as a “must-watch.” The shift in opinion became a focal point for online discussions, raising questions about narrative direction and audience expectations.

Despite the film not being officially released in Pakistan, its reach has extended across borders through unofficial channels, underscoring the scale of its visibility.

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The Numbers Tell a Different Story

While criticism continues to circulate, the film’s commercial performance presents a starkly different narrative.

Within just three days of its release, Dhurandhar 2 collected ₹339.27 crore in India alone. Globally, it crossed the ₹500 crore mark—positioning it among the biggest hits of the year.

This divergence between critical discourse and audience turnout highlights a recurring pattern in contemporary cinema: controversy does not necessarily hinder commercial success; in many cases, it amplifies visibility.

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Support from the Industry

Not all reactions have been negative. Actor Anupam Kher publicly praised Dhar’s work, describing the film in highly emotional terms:

“It is not just a film. It is an experience. An emotion. A journey that quietly enters your heart and then refuses to leave.”

Kher’s endorsement reflects a segment of the industry that views the film as a powerful cinematic achievement rather than a political statement.

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Cinema, Propaganda, and Perception

The controversy surrounding Aditya Dhar’s film is not merely about one release—it reflects broader questions shaping the entertainment industry:

• Where is the line between storytelling and propaganda?
• How should filmmakers handle real-world events in fictional narratives?
• Do commercial success and cultural responsibility conflict—or coexist?

Films like Dhurandhar 2 operate in a space where audience interpretation plays a critical role. What one viewer perceives as nationalistic storytelling, another may interpret as ideological messaging.

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What Comes Next for Aditya Dhar?

For Aditya Dhar, the current moment is both a validation and a challenge.

On one hand, the film’s box office performance reinforces his position as a commercially successful director capable of delivering large-scale cinematic experiences. On the other, the criticism ensures that his work will continue to be scrutinized not just for its craft, but for its perceived intent.

The trajectory of the Dhurandhar franchise suggests that future installments—if any—will likely face even greater expectations and sharper debate.

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Conclusion: A Film That Refuses to Be Ignored

Dhurandhar 2 has achieved what many films aim for but few manage: it has become unavoidable.

Whether through record-breaking collections, viral criticism, or polarized audience reactions, the film has transcended the boundaries of conventional entertainment to become a cultural talking point.

For Aditya Dhar, the conversation is no longer just about filmmaking—it is about influence, interpretation, and the evolving role of cinema in shaping public discourse.