'Dhurandhar 2' Storms Box Office with Rs 1,000 Crore in Nine Days
Aditya Dhar's highly anticipated sequel, 'Dhurandhar', released in December, has achieved a monumental milestone by surpassing Rs 1,000 crore in global box office collections within just nine days. The film's relentless commercial success is fueled by sold-out screenings across the nation, creating a cinematic storm that shows no signs of abating.
Dia Mirza Speaks Boldly on 'Jingoism Trend' and 'IC 814' Criticism
Amid the whirlwind of excitement surrounding 'Dhurandhar', Bollywood actress Dia Mirza has taken a firm stand against what she describes as a growing trend in the industry. While stars like Aamir Khan and Boman Irani have revealed they haven't seen the film yet, Mirza spoke candidly on The Namrata Zakaria Show about the criticism her team faced for their Kandahar hijack series 'IC 814'.
"There is a trend to enjoy and celebrate jingoism," Mirza stated emphatically. "'Dhurandhar' got tagged as a chest-thumping film, while 'IC 814' faced heat for taking a different path. The show was called out for humanizing all the characters, including the terrorists. I guess it is because we are celebrating jingoism too much now. We adore it."
Mirza defended her series' balanced approach, saying, "Our show is not about jingoism. I don't regret it. It has such a balanced view and gives people the opportunity to see each side the way it was."
Artists Must Raise Their Voices, Says Mirza
As many industry voices remain silent about 'Dhurandhar', Dia Mirza highlighted why artists must speak up. "I think it is very important to be vocal as artists. I am a big Shabana Azmi bhakt, and I follow her message that if art is not utilized to improve the lives of others, then what is the point of art. So yes, I am political, and I have a stand. And yes, I will convey that through the choices I make in the stories I tell."
She acknowledged the challenges of taking such positions, adding, "It is not easy. We are trolled regularly. Beyond that, there is all kinds of intimidation because if you are not toeing the line and not in agreement with what larger forces expect, then it is not easy."
Bollywood's Silence and South Industry's Praise
The release of 'Dhurandhar' on December 5 initially sparked cheers from Bollywood celebrities on social media platform X, with Hrithik Roshan hailing its epic scope despite political differences. However, since the sequel arrived on March 19, Roshan and most other Bollywood figures have remained conspicuously silent.
In contrast, South Indian film stars have led recent applause for the movie. Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, and Mahesh Babu have publicly cheered the film and its actors, while filmmakers Ram Gopal Varma and SS Rajamouli have echoed their praise.
On the opposing side, actors Prakash Raj and Divya Spandana have condemned 'Dhurandhar' as "propaganda" and "jingoistic," highlighting the polarized reception the film has received within the entertainment industry.
The box office phenomenon of 'Dhurandhar 2' continues to dominate entertainment headlines, while Dia Mirza's outspoken commentary adds a significant layer to the ongoing conversation about artistic expression, political messaging, and commercial success in contemporary Indian cinema.
