In an exclusive conversation, actor Danish Pandor has shared his perspective on the ongoing discourse surrounding Hrithik Roshan's upcoming film 'Dhurandhar'. The discussion specifically touched upon the film's portrayal of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks and the intersection of cinema with real-world politics.
Pandor's Stance on Art and Real-Life Events
Danish Pandor, known for his nuanced performances, emphasized the importance of artistic expression while handling sensitive historical subjects. He acknowledged that 'Dhurandhar', which features a pivotal sequence based on the horrific 2008 Mumbai attacks, is bound to evoke strong emotions. The actor stressed that filmmakers carry a significant responsibility when depicting events that are still raw in the nation's collective memory.
The core of Pandor's argument is that politics should not be mixed with cinematic storytelling. He expressed concern over the tendency to view such films through an immediate political lens, which can overshadow the narrative's intent and artistic merit. For Pandor, the primary goal should be to honor the truth of the event and the memory of those affected, rather than allowing the portrayal to become a tool for contemporary political debates.
On Hrithik Roshan's Role and Public Reaction
Speaking about the film's lead, Pandor had words of praise for Hrithik Roshan. He highlighted Roshan's dedication to his craft and his careful approach to a role that is both physically and emotionally demanding. Pandor believes that an actor of Roshan's caliber would have undertaken the project with deep research and a sense of duty towards authentic representation.
The actor also addressed the pre-release chatter and speculation surrounding the movie. He urged audiences and commentators to reserve judgment until the film's release, scheduled for December 2025. Pandor pointed out that premature reactions based on trailers or snippets often miss the complete context that the full feature film provides. He advocated for a more measured and thoughtful public discourse once the artwork is fully viewed.
The Responsibility of Portraying 26/11 on Screen
The segment of the interview focusing on the 26/11 scene was particularly poignant. Pandor acknowledged the immense challenge of recreating an event that caused national trauma. He stated that such depictions must walk a fine line between being realistically impactful and avoiding gratuitous violence or sensationalism.
The responsibility, according to him, lies in ensuring the portrayal is respectful to the victims and their families. It should aim to reflect the bravery of the first responders and the resilience of the city of Mumbai, rather than just the violence inflicted by the terrorists. Pandor expressed hope that 'Dhurandhar' would handle this balance with the sensitivity it demands.
In conclusion, Danish Pandor's remarks serve as a reminder of the complex relationship between cinema, history, and society. His call to separate political commentary from artistic evaluation highlights a desire for films on national subjects to be seen first as works of art and historical reflection. As the release date for Hrithik Roshan's 'Dhurandhar' approaches, this perspective adds a thoughtful layer to the anticipation surrounding one of Bollywood's most awaited projects of 2025.
