Javed Akhtar defends 'Dhurandhar' amid propaganda debate

May 5, 2026 - 16:58

Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar has pushed back against critics who call Aditya Dhar's "Dhurandhar" franchise propaganda. He described the films as excellent and argued that filmmakers have every right to present their own version of the truth. His comments arrive as "Dhurandhar 2" shatters box office records, with especially strong earnings in South Indian markets that were once seen as tough territory for Hindi-language action films.

The franchise has turned into a commercial monster, but it has also sparked a heated public debate about ideology in Indian cinema. Some critics say the movies push a specific political message. Akhtar disagrees. He believes that calling any film propaganda is too simple and ignores the craft and entertainment value on screen.

"Dhurandhar 2" has drawn huge crowds across the country, and its success in the South has surprised many industry observers. The film's mix of high-octane action and nationalistic themes seems to have found a wide audience. Akhtar's defense adds weight to the ongoing conversation about where art ends and messaging begins. For now, the box office numbers suggest that whatever the intent, audiences are buying tickets in record numbers.