Anurag Kashyap Praises 'Dhurandhar' Director, Condemns Harsh Critics and Online Attacks
The blockbuster film 'Dhurandhar' has made history as the highest-grossing movie in Indian cinema, but its journey to success was far from smooth. Upon its initial release, the film faced a barrage of negative reviews from critics, with some even labeling it as propaganda. Despite this rocky start, 'Dhurandhar' eventually won over audiences nationwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Kashyap's Strong Defense of the Film and Its Maker
Now, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has stepped forward to slam the critics and express his admiration for director Aditya Dhar. In a candid chat with Sucharita Tyagi, Kashyap, who is preparing for the OTT release of his film 'Kennedy', shared his perspective on balanced critique. "What is wrong, it’s wrong, and what is right, is right. How I like something does not mean I will force my opinion on someone else," he stated, emphasizing the importance of fair and objective criticism.
Condemnation of Online Trolling Against Reviewers
Kashyap strongly condemned the online trolling directed at film reviewers following 'Dhurandhar's' release, calling such attacks "uncalled for." He revealed that he was among the few industry figures who publicly supported the Film Critics Guild's statement addressing "targeted attacks, harassment, and hate directed toward film critics." Interestingly, Kashyap himself faced backlash for praising certain aspects of the movie, which he suggested was largely manufactured.
"This backlash thing is a social media construct and a lot of it is not organic," he remarked, adding that much of the outrage appeared "all coordinated." This insight highlights the growing influence of orchestrated campaigns in shaping public discourse around films.
Balanced Critique: Acknowledging Flaws While Applauding Courage
When discussing the film's more controversial elements, the 53-year-old director admitted he would not overlook problematic portions. However, he expressed deep admiration for the conviction and courage behind the filmmaking. "I will not conceal the things that were problematic, but I am seeing something else as well. As a filmmaker, I see the courage," Kashyap explained.
He elaborated on the challenges faced during production, noting how the team persevered when others backed out due to the film's length, even investing their own money. "Somebody who has to fight through a system to do a certain thing and the belief in it when everybody backs out because the film is getting too long, putting in their own money, doing things," he said, underscoring the dedication required to bring such a project to life.
Technical Precision That Impressed a Fellow Filmmaker
Kashyap specifically highlighted the technical precision of a torture sequence featuring actor Arjun Rampal, marveling at the patience and time invested. "I know, as a filmmaker, how much time it takes. Any filmmaker would be like, ‘Let’s do this in VFX’. The patience and time to do it as a filmmaker and to be so precise. So for me, as a filmmaker, I am marvelling at that," he noted, praising the hands-on approach over easier digital alternatives.
Star-Studded Cast and Upcoming Sequel
'Dhurandhar' boasts an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi in key roles. The film's success has paved the way for its highly anticipated sequel, which is set to release on March 19, promising to continue the epic narrative that has captivated millions.
This story not only sheds light on the complexities of film criticism in the digital age but also celebrates the resilience and artistry behind one of Indian cinema's biggest hits. As debates around cinematic expression and reviewer safety continue, Kashyap's words serve as a reminder of the need for nuanced dialogue in the entertainment industry.
