Ram Gopal Varma Counters Propaganda Allegations Against 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'
Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has been actively championing the espionage thriller 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' across his social media platforms and in various interviews. In a recent development, he has directly addressed the mounting criticism that labels the film as propaganda, offering a bold retort to detractors.
Varma's Fiery Response to Critics
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ram Gopal Varma shared his perspective on the accusations that 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' serves as a propaganda vehicle. He posted, "I have a WONDERFUL IDEA for all those in PAKISTAN who claim #Dhurandhar2 is a PROPAGANDA film full of lies, they can get their own Pakistani Aditya Dhar, and make #DhurandharTheTruth." This statement underscores his defiance against those questioning the film's narrative integrity, essentially challenging critics to produce their own cinematic interpretation if they dispute the portrayal.
High Praise and Controversial Comparisons
In earlier social media posts, Varma had lavished praise on the film, describing it as a 'reset button' for Indian cinema. He asserted that 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' would usher in a new "cinematic order" and even made provocative comparisons, suggesting that revered classics like 'Mughal-e-Azam' and 'Sholay' would appear akin to "TV serials" when juxtaposed with this latest release. These comments have sparked debate within the film community, highlighting the polarizing nature of the movie's reception.
Box Office Success and Critical Scrutiny
Despite the controversy, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' continues to achieve remarkable commercial success. Directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring a star-studded cast led by Ranveer Singh, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Mustafa Ahmed, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, and Arjun Rampal, the film has been breaking records since its theatrical release on March 19, 2026.
The box office numbers are staggering:
- In India, the film has already surpassed Rs 550 crore by its sixth day.
- Globally, it has crossed the Rs 800 crore mark.
- It is now rapidly approaching the coveted Rs 1000 crore milestone worldwide.
While audiences are showering the film with immense love, it simultaneously faces intense scrutiny over its depiction of sensitive geopolitical issues, fueling the ongoing discourse around its artistic versus propagandistic merits.
The Broader Impact and Industry Reactions
Ram Gopal Varma's outspoken defense and the film's phenomenal box office performance have ignited conversations about the role of cinema in reflecting national narratives. The dichotomy between commercial triumph and critical contention places 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' at the center of a larger debate on cinematic freedom and responsibility. As the movie edges closer to the Rs 1000 crore club, its legacy—whether as a groundbreaking thriller or a contentious piece—remains a hot topic in entertainment circles.
