In recent days, a new Bollywood film has stirred up strong reactions even before hitting theatres. Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, continues the story from the first part with high-stakes action, spy themes, and bold lines about courage, fuel, and revenge. The trailer dropped recently, showing intense scenes set in tough areas, with dialogues that challenge cross-border threats. Yet, critics have quickly called it propaganda, ultra-nationalist, and divisive. This rush to label it raises an important question: why do some stories get slammed as biased while others escape the same scrutiny?
The Rise of Nationalist Cinema
Bollywood has long told stories about patriotism, spies, and battles against terror. Films like Uri, Fighter, and now the Dhurandhar series draw from real events, such as attacks on India and responses to them. Dhurandhar 2 builds on this with a longer runtime—nearly four hours—and a focus on vengeance against terror networks. Supporters see it as inspiring and truthful, highlighting the bravery of security forces. Viewers praise the high-energy action, strong performances, and music that stirs pride.
However, not everyone agrees. Some commentators say the film oversimplifies issues, uses strong language against neighbours, and pushes a one-sided view. Lines in the trailer, like declarations about deciding the future of threats, have been called inflammatory. Online debates rage, with people accusing it of serving political agendas. This pattern is familiar—similar charges hit The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story when they showed the pain faced by certain communities.
When Films Face the “Propaganda” Tag
Calling a movie propaganda often means claiming it distorts facts or promotes hate. For Dhurandhar 2, the backlash came fast. Critics point to its realistic style, saying it makes the message more powerful and thus more dangerous. Some argue it marginalises groups by linking terror only to one side. Yet, the film draws from documented incidents, like gang zones and operations against threats. Defenders ask: if showing real history is propaganda, what counts as fair storytelling?
This selective criticism stands out when compared to other cases. Older Bollywood films sometimes portrayed invaders or conflicts in softer ways, avoiding direct blame or adding nuance that favoured one narrative. Those rarely faced the same level of outrage. Today, when a film shows the Indian side strongly, it gets hit hard. The double standard feels clear: nationalist themes are quickly branded divisive, while other biases slip by.
The Haris Ali Case: A Fresh Example
Just days ago, Uttar Pradesh ATS arrested a 19-year-old BDS student named Haris Ali from Saharanpur. He was a top student, from a well-off family—brother a doctor, father in a multinational company, owning land and a big home. Despite all advantages, he allegedly ran an online network linked to ISIS. Using apps like Instagram, Discord, and encrypted platforms, he built groups to spread propaganda, recruit youth, and plan attacks. His goal, per reports, was to push for a Sharia-based caliphate in India through violent means, including fidayeen strikes. He stayed in touch with handlers abroad.
This arrest shows radicalisation can happen anywhere—not just among the poor or uneducated. It involves a clear ideology: rejection of democracy, calls for extreme rule, and inspiration from banned groups. Yet, experience suggests some will soon call him a misguided youth, blame online influence, or say it has nothing to do with faith. The phrase “terror has no religion” will likely appear, urging people not to link it to any community.
Dhurandhar 2 vs Islamist Hypocrisy
Here lies the core issue: Dhurandhar 2 vs Islamist Hypocrisy. A film that boldly shows counter-terror efforts and Indian resolve gets labelled propaganda almost instantly. Meanwhile, when a real plot tied to extreme ideology surfaces—like planning suicide attacks for a caliphate—the response often softens. Calls for understanding, de-radicalisation, or avoiding communal angles emerge quickly.
This inconsistency hurts honest discussion. If terror truly has no religion, the label should apply equally. When perpetrators cite religious motivations or groups like ISIS claim them, ignoring that part feels like denial. Films like Dhurandhar 2 fill a gap left by years of cautious storytelling in Bollywood. They highlight ignored pains and sacrifices. Criticising them as biased while downplaying ideological roots in terror cases creates an imbalance.
True balance means judging actions fairly. Show the suffering of Kashmiri Pandits? It’s called one-sided. Depict spy operations against real threats? It’s propaganda. But when someone from privilege chooses extremism, it’s often reduced to youth vulnerability. This selective lens weakens security talks and divides people more.
Why Consistency Matters
India faces real challenges from various threats. Cinema can help by telling full stories—of victims’ pain, heroes’ courage, and dangers ahead. Suppressing one side while excusing another erodes trust. Dhurandhar 2 may not be perfect, but dismissing it outright ignores why such films gain fans: people want truth, even if uncomfortable.
The same goes for terror cases. Strong laws, clear naming of threats, and community unity work best. Deflection only helps those who exploit divisions. Citizens deserve media and leaders who apply rules evenly—no matter the faith or politics involved.Dhurandhar 2 Advance Booking: Massive Hype Ahead of March 19 Release
Moving Forward
As Dhurandhar 2 releases soon—with paid previews and full theatrical run—debates will grow. Watch it, form your view, but demand fairness. If a film exposing threats is propaganda, what about real plots that aim to impose extreme rule? The answer lies in consistency: call things by their names, support stories that unite through truth, and reject hypocrisy that protects one narrative over facts.www.telegraph.co.uk
India’s strength comes from facing realities head-on. Films, arrests, and public talks should reflect that—not selective outrage. Let’s push for open, honest dialogue where no side gets a free pass.
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