What Superhit Movies Don’t Say About Fighting Terrorists
Nirupama Rao wrote on January 19, 2026, at 21:51 IST. Some films do more than just entertain audiences. They actively instruct viewers. These movies teach people how to feel about complex issues. They show audiences whom to fear in our world. They highlight which forms of power deserve admiration and respect.
Dhurandhar fits perfectly into this influential category of cinema. This film's importance does not stem from its genre as a spy thriller. Its massive box office success is not the primary reason it matters either.
The Real Significance of Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar matters because it reveals something crucial about contemporary India. The film shows how the nation now imagines conflict within the South Asian subcontinent. It demonstrates what kinds of future scenarios feel emotionally acceptable to India's mass public.
Through its narrative and characters, Dhurandhar presents a particular vision of counter-terrorism. This vision resonates deeply with audiences across the country. The film's popularity suggests that its message aligns with prevailing public sentiments.
What Mainstream Cinema Chooses to Show
Blockbuster films like Dhurandhar typically showcase certain elements very clearly. They often present heroic figures who take decisive action against threats. These movies frequently depict clear distinctions between good and evil forces. They show advanced technology and sophisticated intelligence operations in detail.
The cinematic portrayal usually emphasizes national pride and unity. It highlights the capabilities of security forces and intelligence agencies. These elements make for compelling storytelling that keeps audiences engaged.
What Remains Unsaid in Popular Narratives
However, these superhit movies often leave out crucial aspects of counter-terrorism. They rarely show the complex political realities that create terrorist threats. The films typically avoid depicting the human costs of conflict on all sides. They seldom explore the root causes that lead individuals toward extremism.
Mainstream cinema usually presents simplified solutions to deeply complicated problems. The messy, prolonged nature of counter-terrorism work gets minimized. The ethical dilemmas faced by security personnel rarely receive proper attention.
The Impact on Public Understanding
This selective storytelling shapes how millions of Indians understand terrorism. It influences public expectations about how conflicts should be resolved. The cinematic portrayal affects what solutions people consider reasonable and acceptable.
When blockbuster films present a particular version of reality repeatedly, that version starts feeling normal. It becomes the expected narrative about national security challenges. Alternative perspectives struggle to find space in the public imagination.
Dhurandhar represents this trend powerfully. Its success indicates which narratives resonate with contemporary Indian audiences. The film reveals what kind of storytelling about terrorism finds mass acceptance today.
