Rakesh Bedi Dismisses 'Propaganda' Claims, Hails Dhurandhar's Cinematic Triumph
Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, a stalwart of Indian cinema since the late 1970s with iconic roles in shows like 'Srimaan Srimati' and films such as 'Chashme Buddoor', is experiencing a resurgence of acclaim for his portrayal of Jameel Jamali in Aditya Dhar's blockbuster 'Dhurandhar' and its sequel, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. The seasoned performer expresses immense delight as his performance continues to garner widespread praise from audiences across the nation.
Addressing the Propaganda Debate Head-On
While the Ranveer Singh-led film has received substantial accolades, it has also faced criticism, with some detractors labeling it as a propaganda piece. In a recent interview, Bedi directly confronted this ongoing debate, firmly rejecting such categorizations. "I don't believe in politics. I think it's the cinema... Everybody has the right to like or dislike a film. But I don't think it's right to put a film into some kind of a category... That it's pro-establishment or anti-establishment. The verdict is that people are loving it," he asserted, emphasizing the film's artistic integrity over political interpretations.
Comparing Dhurandhar to Other Labeled Projects
Bedi drew comparisons to other films that have faced similar political labels, highlighting how 'Dhurandhar' distinguishes itself through superior craftsmanship. "Recently, there was a film on Indira Gandhi and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, these films didn't run for even two days. Dhurandhar's writing, screenplay is great. People haven't seen a film of this scale ever," he noted, adding that audiences are genuinely "celebrating cinema" with the sequel's release.
Unprecedented Audience Frenzy and Global Recognition
Reflecting on the overwhelming public response, Bedi described the current atmosphere as unparalleled in his extensive career. "This is a mad frenzy which is going on. I've never seen something like this in my career at least. Many people have not seen this kind of a frenzy, madness, and euphoria for a film," he shared, underscoring the movie's cultural impact.
The actor also reacted to a viral video featuring international figures Alexander Stubb and Mark Carney discussing the film during a morning run, calling it a monumental compliment. "What could be a bigger compliment? I was elated to find out that a film that I'm a part of is being talked about at this level. Aditya used to say one thing constantly while making the film. He would say, 'We are going to raise the bar'. After I saw the film, I said, 'You have not raised the bar, you have broken the bar', because people are going to see the movie baar-baar (again and again)," Bedi exclaimed, highlighting the film's global resonance and repeat-viewing appeal.
Film Details and Cast Overview
Released on March 19, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, supported by a stellar ensemble cast including Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal in key performances. The film continues to dominate box office discussions and entertainment headlines, solidifying its status as a major cinematic event of the year.
