Filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s latest film Dhurandhar has ignited a nationwide political debate, with opposition parties accusing it of pushing government propaganda, while the Centre has dismissed the allegations, stating that the movie simply portrays terrorism and that the government had no role in its creation.Released on December 5, the high-octane spy thriller is written and directed by Aditya Dhar and stars Ranveer Singh in the lead. The film follows covert intelligence operations set against major geopolitical and terror-related events, including the Kandahar hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.While sections of the audience have praised the film for its scale, gripping narrative and ambitious storytelling, critics have described it as hyper-nationalistic, citing its intense violence and tone as provocative and unsettling.The controversy intensified after reports claimed that Dhurandhar was barred from release in several Gulf countries over its content. Such restrictions, however, are not unprecedented, as Indian films dealing with sensitive geopolitical themes or perceived anti-Pakistan narratives have previously faced similar action in the region.Responding to the criticism, BJP national spokesperson Rohan Gupta said the film should not be viewed through a religious or political lens. He maintained that Dhurandhar is based on real events and aims to present reality, adding that audiences should be free to form their own opinions without creative expression being opposed on religious grounds.BJP MP Bhim Singh echoed this view, stating that the film merely depicts terrorism. He argued that if terrorists shown in the film happen to follow a particular religion, it should not be held against the filmmakers.Opposition parties, however, have strongly disagreed. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ameeque Jamei praised the performances but alleged that the film aligns closely with the ruling government’s narrative. He said the subject matter could have been handled more independently, without political influence.Congress MP Tariq Anwar also weighed in, calling for a review of the film’s content in light of reports of international bans. He said that if several countries have restricted the film, it raises questions about whether it contains objectionable material.The debate around Dhurandhar has thus brought issues of creative freedom, political messaging and the portrayal of terrorism sharply into focus.
