Naveen Kaushik Weighs In on Dhurandhar 2 Propaganda Debate, Advocates for Nuanced Audience Approach
Amid the escalating debate surrounding Aditya Dhar's upcoming film Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh, which has been branded a "propaganda film" by some critics, actor Naveen Kaushik has entered the fray with a thoughtful perspective. In an exclusive interview with Hindi Rush, Kaushik urged viewers to move beyond superficial judgments and engage with the film's layered storytelling, emphasizing that politics permeates all aspects of life and art.
Politics in Every Facet: Kaushik's Philosophical Take
Responding to the discourse ignited by commentator Dhruv Rathee, Naveen Kaushik articulated a broad view of politics. "I believe every aspect of life is connected to politics, whether it's national politics or interpersonal dynamics. Even in relationships, there is always some level of politics involved," he stated. Expanding on this, Kaushik noted that subtle political undercurrents are inevitable in quality cinema. "Politics exists in nuanced ways too... any well-made film will inevitably reflect some form of politics or ideology," he added, challenging the notion that films can be entirely apolitical.
Complex Storytelling Demands Repeated Viewings
Kaushik highlighted the intricate narrative of Dhurandhar 2, suggesting it requires audience patience and multiple viewings to fully grasp. "This is not a film you can understand in one sitting. You need to watch it repeatedly to comprehend why characters behave the way they do," he explained. He praised the film for avoiding simplistic characterizations, noting that villains might not be overtly evil but could appear charming while committing morally questionable acts. "You won't find blatant characters here... the antagonist might be smiling or dancing while engaging in wrongdoing, making the portrayal more realistic and thought-provoking," Kaushik elaborated.
Ambiguous Protagonist and Artistic Nuances
Discussing the protagonist played by Ranveer Singh, Kaushik pointed out the character's moral ambiguity. "The hero isn't straightforward either. He might be romantically involved with a woman while conspiring against her father, leaving audiences to wonder if his intentions are genuine or manipulative," he said. This complexity, according to Kaushik, aligns with art-house cinema traditions where viewers must actively interpret subtleties. "In artistic films, you need to pick up on nuances, and this film demands that same level of engagement from its audience," he emphasized.
Countering Criticism: All Films Have Ideological Elements
Addressing critiques from reviewers like Anupama Chopra, Kaushik posed a rhetorical question: "Tell me one film that has no politics... whether it's Hollywood, European, Bollywood, or South Indian cinema, every film carries some ideology." He argued that labeling a film as propaganda often depends on the viewer's perspective. "If you choose to look through a certain lens, you can call anything propaganda," he remarked, suggesting that such judgments are subjective and can be applied broadly across cinematic genres.
Call for Responsible Viewing and Global Reception
Echoing sentiments expressed by actor R Madhavan, Kaushik criticized the trend of hasty judgments. "In the rush to be first, people declared the film bad without even watching it properly. They should have seen it first," he asserted. He also shared positive feedback from international audiences, noting messages from Pakistan and Dubai where viewers appreciated the film despite language barriers. Concluding, Kaushik advocated for a balanced approach to film consumption. "Everyone has freedom of expression, but a film should not become a source of hate or violence. It's a film—experience it as one, take what you learn, and simply enjoy it," he urged, promoting a culture of thoughtful and respectful discourse around cinematic works.
