The portrayal of graphic violence in cinema remains a contentious issue, often sparking swift debate and dividing audiences. The recent Hindi spy thriller 'Dhurandhar', despite its massive commercial success, found itself at the center of such criticism for its brutal scenes and intense, aggressive tone. In a candid conversation, actor Naveen Kaushik, who played the formidable gangster Donga in the film, has come forward to defend the film's raw depiction, arguing it is a narrative necessity, not mere spectacle.
Violence as a Core Character
In an exclusive interview, Naveen Kaushik elaborated on the creative rationale behind the film's unflinching violence. He stated that the gore and aggression are fundamental to the plot and setting, and diluting them would have weakened the film's impact. Kaushik presented a compelling perspective, suggesting that the violence itself functions as a distinct character within the story.
He explained that to authentically convey the terrifying nature of real-life figures like Rehman Dakait and his gang, or the intensity of operatives like Major Iqbal and his team, the film could not shy away from showing the harsh reality of their world. According to Kaushik, brushing over the brutality would have been a disservice to the narrative, as it is integral to understanding who these people were and the environment they operated in.
Addressing Perceived Double Standards
Kaushik also addressed what he sees as a lopsided critical response, questioning why 'Dhurandhar' faces heightened scrutiny for its violent content compared to acclaimed international films. He pointed to the work of directors like Quentin Tarantino, whose films such as 'Django Unchained', 'The Hateful Eight', and 'Kill Bill' are celebrated despite being drenched in stylized bloodshed.
"People do not have issues with Quentin Tarantino. But in all of his films... there is so much blood. But that is cinema," Kaushik remarked. He expressed his view that the criticism aimed at their film is unfair, even as he respects the right of audiences to hold opinions. "Ours is being criticised for it. I find that unfair," he stated, highlighting a perceived double standard in how violence is judged across different cinematic landscapes.
'Dhurandhar': A Box Office Juggernaut
Despite the controversy and even facing bans in some Gulf countries, 'Dhurandhar' has proven to be an unprecedented commercial triumph. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios, features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt.
Released in December 2025, the spy thriller has shattered records, amassing a staggering Rs. 1,220 crore in global box office collections. This monumental success has paved the way for a sequel, with Part Two already gearing up for a major release. It is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, coinciding with the Eid festival, where it will face a direct clash with superstar Yash's highly anticipated film 'Toxic'.
The debate ignited by Naveen Kaushik's comments underscores the ongoing conversation about artistic expression, realism, and audience sensitivity in Indian cinema. As 'Dhurandhar' prepares for its sequel, it remains a prime example of a film whose narrative choices, while divisive, have undeniably captured massive public attention and redefined box office benchmarks for the genre.
