Kumar Vishwas Weighs In on Dhurandhar Propaganda Debate
Poet and commentator Kumar Vishwas has entered the heated discussion surrounding the Dhurandhar film franchise, which has generated polarized reactions online with accusations of political propaganda. In a revealing interview with Zingabad, Vishwas offered his perspective, supporting the film while engaging with broader questions about storytelling and narrative bias in cinema.
A Rare Cinematic Experience
Vishwas began by disclosing that watching Dhurandhar represented an unusual return to movie theaters for him. "Yes, after a very long time I watched a film," he stated. "In fact, I watched a film in a theatre after almost 15 years." This admission underscores how the film captured his attention amid his typically distant relationship with contemporary cinema.
Global Comparisons and Narrative Perspectives
When addressing claims that Dhurandhar promotes a specific agenda, Vishwas drew parallels with acclaimed international cinema. "Look, Steven Spielberg made Schindler's List," he noted. "He is Jewish, and his family are survivors of Hitler's atrocities. It took years to make and won several Oscars. Wasn't that also propaganda in some sense?"
He elaborated that every filmmaker inevitably brings their personal worldview to their work. "Any filmmaker brings their own thought process," Vishwas explained. "Aditya Dhar has his own perspective. He is a displaced Kashmiri." The commentator suggested that narrative biases have long existed in cinema, but reactions vary depending on who tells the story. "Yes, they have. Now if someone else has made a film with effort, craft, and detailing, suddenly it becomes a problem."
Questioning the Criticism
Vishwas directly confronted the core criticism of the film by examining the intent behind its narrative. "I'm not saying that. I'm saying—even if it is propaganda, the question is: against whom?" he questioned. He further pressed this point by asking, "If it is against Pakistan, then why should Indians object? When enemies of the country are shown being eliminated, would you clap or criticise?"
Referring to portrayals inspired by real-life figures, Vishwas added, "If someone who attacked India is shown being punished, and is speaking to India's National Security Advisor saying 'Bharat Mata ki Jai,' would you applaud or object?" He concluded this line of reasoning by stating, "At least 10% of what we wish for—if that is shown—why not appreciate it?"
Cinema as Artistic Expression
Emphasizing creative freedom, Vishwas maintained that films should primarily be viewed as artistic works. "Films should be seen as films," he asserted. "Every creator tells a story from their own lens." He illustrated this by comparing different interpretations of cultural figures. "If I write about Lord Ram, my interpretation will differ from someone else's. Similarly, a filmmaker presents their own version."
Vishwas suggested that contemporary discomfort might stem from the film's sophisticated execution rather than its content alone. "That's exactly the point," he observed. "Earlier, people called things propaganda because they were crude. Now it's finely crafted, aesthetically made, and professionally executed—and that's why it's harder to dismiss."
Praise for the Creative Team
Vishwas concluded with enthusiastic praise for the film's director and cast. "I've praised Aditya Dhar," he shared. "I even called him and told him he's made a very good film. He's like a younger brother to me." He also commended actor Yami Gautam, adding, "She is also very talented."
Highlighting the director's versatility, Vishwas noted that despite Dhar's association with filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, "he has made a strong action film," calling this achievement a testament to his skill and range as a filmmaker.
