Ex-J&K DGP Defends 'Dhurandhar 2' Amidst Propaganda Row
Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid has defended the film 'Dhurandhar 2' amidst a heated propaganda controversy. He asserted that the film, which has been criticized by opposition leaders and a prominent YouTuber, depicts uncomfortable truths about real-life events and figures. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has also achieved significant box office success.
Key Highlights
- Ex-J&K DGP SP Vaid defended 'Dhurandhar 2' as portraying harsh truths.
- Opposition, including Congress and AIMIM, criticized film as BJP propaganda.
- YouTuber Dhruv Rathee slammed director Aditya Dhar for 'blatant propaganda'.
- Film depicts real-life incidents like Atiq Ahmed encounter and demonetization.
- 'Dhurandhar 2' stars Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar directed the film.
- Despite controversy, the film achieved significant box office success.
Former Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, S.P. Vaid, has staunchly defended the recently released Bollywood film 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' amidst a significant 'propaganda row' across India. Vaid, a prominent former police official, asserted that the film is rooted in 'uncomfortable truths' and reflects the harsh realities of various incidents. He notably stated, 'The truth is harsh. Atiq Ahmed was a gangster. The whole world knows that he received illegal weapons, and his links with Pakistan are known to the world,' in response to criticisms.
'Dhurandhar 2,' directed by Aditya Dhar, is a spy action thriller and a sequel to the 2025 film 'Dhurandhar.' It was released worldwide on March 19, 2026, coinciding with festivals like Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Eid. The film features Ranveer Singh in the lead role, supported by an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt. The narrative is reportedly inspired by real-life events such as the 1999 Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. It also creatively integrates fictionalized depictions of recent events like the 2016 demonetization and the encounter of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, blurring the lines between fact and fiction to build its narrative around the protagonist, Hamza.
The film has generated intense debate, with several political figures and public commentators labeling it as propaganda. Congress MP Tariq Anwar heavily criticized 'Dhurandhar 2,' alleging it serves as a 'BJP agenda' to foster communal divisions and target specific communities. Other Congress leaders, including Hussain Dalwai and Imran Masood, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the film's funding and its portrayal of certain groups. Samajwadi Party's MLA Abu Azmi also condemned the film for allegedly spreading hatred and maligning Muslims, particularly objecting to the depiction of Atiq Ahmed's purported ISI links.
Adding to the controversy, prominent YouTuber Dhruv Rathee slammed 'Dhurandhar 2,' explicitly calling it 'blatant propaganda' and reiterating his earlier claim that director Aditya Dhar is a 'BJP propagandist.' Rathee argued that while the propaganda in the first 'Dhurandhar' film was subtle, it has become overtly obvious in the sequel. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) spokesperson Waris Pathan called for a nationwide ban on 'Dhurandhar 2' and similar 'propaganda films.' Pathan accused the filmmakers of spreading 'lies and hatred' for financial gain and misusing real-life events to create misleading narratives, particularly by 'showing Muslims as villains.'
Conversely, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have come to the film's defense. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana supported 'Dhurandhar 2,' stating that it reflects reality and exposes the true nature of Pakistani terrorists and Indian agencies. They have accused the opposition of opposing the film based on political interests rather than factual inaccuracies.
Despite the polarizing reactions and political backlash, 'Dhurandhar 2' has witnessed remarkable commercial success. It reportedly crossed ₹100 crore worldwide on its opening day and has accumulated over ₹234 crore in India. Film critics and industry personalities have offered mixed reviews. While some have praised the film's scale, action sequences, and performances, particularly of Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt, others like author Shobhaa De found the script predictable and the jingoism too underlined. The film's success has also sparked discussions about an 'Aditya Dhar Cinematic Universe,' with fans drawing connections between 'Dhurandhar' and Dhar's earlier hit 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' through recurring characters and subtle hints.
This ongoing debate highlights a broader discussion within Indian cinema regarding the portrayal of sensitive political and social issues, the balance between artistic expression and alleged political messaging, and the role of films in shaping public discourse. The controversy surrounding 'Dhurandhar 2' underscores the increasing scrutiny on films that touch upon nationalism, cross-border conflicts, and communal themes in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core controversy surrounding the film 'Dhurandhar 2'?
The film 'Dhurandhar 2' is embroiled in a 'propaganda row' with opposition political parties and a prominent YouTuber accusing it of being a 'BJP propaganda' film designed to spread communal hatred and misrepresent real-life events, particularly concerning its portrayal of certain communities and figures.
Why did former J&K DGP S.P. Vaid defend 'Dhurandhar 2'?
S.P. Vaid defended 'Dhurandhar 2' by stating that it portrays 'uncomfortable truths' and 'harsh realities.' He specifically referred to the film's depiction of gangster Atiq Ahmed and his alleged links to Pakistan's ISI, suggesting the film is based on known facts.
Who are the key figures involved in criticizing 'Dhurandhar 2'?
Key critics include Congress MPs Tariq Anwar, Hussain Dalwai, and Imran Masood, as well as AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan, who have all labeled the film as propaganda. Additionally, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has been a vocal critic, calling the film 'blatant propaganda' and its director a 'BJP propagandist.'
What is 'Dhurandhar 2' about, and who directed/starred in it?
'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' is a Hindi-language spy action thriller, a sequel to the 2025 film 'Dhurandhar.' It is directed by Aditya Dhar and stars Ranveer Singh in the lead, alongside Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt. The film's plot integrates fictionalized accounts of real-life events like terror attacks and political incidents.
Has 'Dhurandhar 2' been commercially successful despite the controversy?
Yes, 'Dhurandhar 2' has achieved significant commercial success despite the ongoing controversy. It reportedly grossed over ₹100 crore worldwide on its opening day and has crossed ₹234 crore in India.
