Priyadarshan Defends ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Amid Propaganda Debate, Says Film Reflects Truth and Public Acceptance

As Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its remarkable run at the global box office, the film has found itself at the center of a growing debate, with some critics labeling it as “propaganda.” However, veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has stepped forward in strong Defense of the film and its director Aditya Dhar, asserting that its widespread acceptance reflects the voice of the audience rather than any ideological agenda.

In a recent interview, Priyadarshan not only dismissed the allegations but also took the opportunity to reflect on Aditya Dhar’s journey in the film industry. He revealed that Dhar, who once worked as his assistant, had faced early struggles, including instances where his work was allegedly used without proper credit.

Recalling those challenging days, Priyadarshan shared that Dhar had once been deeply disheartened but remained committed to his passion for filmmaking. According to him, these early setbacks shaped Dhar’s resilience and determination, eventually leading to his success as a director.

Priyadarshan Praises Aditya Dhar’s Journey

Speaking about his former assistant’s growth, Priyadarshan expressed immense pride in Dhar’s achievements. He described the success of his Students and collaborators as one of the greatest joys for any mentor.

“He was very disheartened at one point, but he never expressed it openly until he began working with me. Over time, he shared how difficult things had been and how he still chose to pursue filmmaking,” Priyadarshan said. “When your students succeed, it is one of the most fulfilling experiences. I feel extremely happy seeing Aditya reach this stage.”

This endorsement from a seasoned filmmaker has added weight to the ongoing conversation surrounding Dhurandhar 2 and its reception.

Rejecting Propaganda Allegations

Addressing the Controversy directly, Priyadarshan firmly rejected claims that the film promotes propaganda. He argued that the film simply presents a narrative that has resonated with audiences across the country.

“There is nothing like propaganda in this film. It is about showing the truth. When the majority of people have accepted and appreciated it, that itself is the biggest validation,” he stated.

He further questioned the criticism by pointing out the scale of the film’s success, suggesting that audience approval should be the ultimate benchmark for judging a movie’s impact.

“Do you think the millions who watched the film are wrong? Let people decide. There is no need to argue with every opinion. The film has succeeded, and that speaks for itself,” he added.

Box Office Success and Audience Response

The film’s commercial performance has been one of its strongest talking points. With impressive global earnings, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters in recent times, reinforcing Priyadarshan’s argument about audience acceptance.

The film revolves around an Indian intelligence agent who infiltrates the underworld to dismantle a terror network. Set against the backdrop of Lyari in Karachi, the narrative combines action, espionage, and Geopolitics, contributing to its wide appeal among audiences.

Debate Intensifies in Film Industry

The discussion around the film intensified after filmmaker Vetri Maaran recently criticized what he described as “hate propaganda” films. While he did not name any specific project, many observers speculated that his remarks could be directed at Dhurandhar 2.

This has sparked a broader debate within the film industry about storytelling, creative freedom, and the line between narrative and propaganda, especially in politically sensitive contexts.

Priyadarshan’s Upcoming Projects

Meanwhile, Priyadarshan is gearing up for the release of his upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, featuring a star-studded cast including Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and Akshay Kumar. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on April 10.

In addition, he is also working on another ambitious project titled Haiwaan, which stars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Both projects are expected to generate significant buzz in the coming months.

As debates continue around Dhurandhar 2, Priyadarshan’s remarks underline a key perspective—that audience reception remains a powerful indicator of a film’s impact, regardless of critical or ideological disagreements.