Aditya Dhar's high-octane spy thriller, 'Dhurandhar', is not just a film; it's a box office phenomenon. The movie, featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role of Hamza, is shattering records across India and internationally, amassing a staggering global collection.
Record-Breaking Financial Tsunami
The film's financial performance is nothing short of historic. On the domestic front, 'Dhurandhar' has crossed the monumental ₹790 crore mark in India. Its global appeal is even more impressive, with worldwide earnings now soaring past ₹1200 crore. This places it among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, a testament to its massive audience pull.
The star-studded ensemble cast, including Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi, has been widely appreciated for their powerful performances, complementing Ranveer Singh's intense portrayal. Critics have unanimously praised the film's adrenaline-pumping action sequences and Singh's compelling act, which have become major crowd-pullers.
The Ideological Controversy and Defence
However, the film's success is shadowed by a simmering debate over its content. While lauded for its technical brilliance and entertainment value, some critics and sections of the industry have labelled 'Dhurandhar' a propaganda film, raising questions about its underlying politics.
Prominent figures like director Anurag Kashyap and actor Hrithik Roshan have publicly acknowledged the film's cinematic impact and commercial success but have simultaneously distanced themselves from its perceived ideology. This has fuelled discussions on the intersection of cinema and narrative framing.
Entering this debate, veteran filmmaker Rumi Jaffery has come out in strong defence of 'Dhurandhar'. In an interaction with Aaj Tak, Jaffery countered the propaganda allegations, stating, "Dhurandhar is not a propaganda film. I have watched it twice. It is a 3-hour film, and usually, people walk out by then. But Dhurandhar keeps people engaged." His comments highlight the film's primary strength as a gripping theatrical experience that holds audience attention.
Broader Cultural Conversation
The conversation around the film has expanded beyond traditional film critics. Recently, journalist-turned-author and columnist Shobhaa De also shared her perspectives on the movie and the surrounding discourse, adding another voice to the multifaceted analysis of the film's societal impact.
The journey of 'Dhurandhar' encapsulates the modern Bollywood blockbuster template: colossal budgets, pan-India stars, and themes that resonate on a massive scale. Yet, its trajectory also underscores a recurring trend where mega-successful films often become lightning rods for broader political and cultural discussions, transcending their identity as mere entertainment.
Ultimately, whether viewed as a masterful spy thriller or a subject of ideological scrutiny, 'Dhurandhar' has undeniably left an indelible mark on the box office and the public consciousness. Its financial records are set in stone, while the debate over its narrative ensures it remains a talking point, proving its power as a defining cinematic event of the year.
