In a recent public appearance, veteran filmmaker Rumi Jaffrey came out in strong support of the blockbuster spy thriller 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh. Jaffrey directly addressed the criticism labelling the film as propaganda, offering a robust defence of its cinematic appeal and audience engagement.
Jaffrey's Strong Defence at Mumbai Event
Speaking at the AajTak Mumbai Manthan event, Rumi Jaffrey shared his candid views on the Aditya Dhar-directed film. He firmly rejected the narrative that 'Dhurandhar' serves as a propaganda tool. "'Dhurandhar' is not a propaganda film," Jaffrey stated unequivocally. He added substantial weight to his opinion by revealing his personal viewing habits, noting, "I have watched it twice."
He further elaborated on the film's gripping nature, especially given its lengthy runtime. "It is a 3-hour film, and people walk out by then. But 'Dhurandhar' keeps people engaged," Jaffrey explained, highlighting the movie's ability to hold viewer attention despite its duration.
The Backstory of the 'Propaganda' Debate
Jaffrey's comments directly counter a section of critics and audiences who have accused the film of pushing a political agenda. The controversy stems from the film's narrative, which is perceived by some to portray the current ruling government as strong while depicting a previous administration as indecisive. This political subtext led to the 'propaganda' label, even as the movie enjoyed massive commercial success and widespread audience acclaim.
The divide highlights how certain blockbuster films in India can become flashpoints for broader political and social discussions, extending their impact far beyond mere entertainment.
'Dhurandhar': A Record-Breaking Phenomenon
Regardless of the debate, the numbers speak volumes about the film's unprecedented success. 'Dhurandhar' has shattered records by raking in over Rs 1200 crore at the worldwide box office. This monumental figure makes it the highest-grossing Hindi film ever released in a single language. Its domestic performance is equally staggering, with earnings of Rs 790 crore in India alone.
The film features Ranveer Singh in the lead role of an Indian spy who infiltrates terror groups in Pakistan's Lyari Town, led by the character Rehman Dakait, played by Akshaye Khanna. The impressive ensemble cast includes:
- Sanjay Dutt
- Arjun Rampal
- Rakesh Bedi
- R Madhavan
- Sara Arjun
Supporting roles are portrayed by Naveen Kaushik, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon, Gaurav Gera, and Naseem Mughal.
Released in theaters on December 05, 2025, 'Dhurandhar' continues its theatrical run. Fans are already anticipating the sequel, 'Dhurandhar Part Two', scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. This sets up a major box office clash with the Yash-starrer 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups'.
Industry Voices Shape Narrative
Rumi Jaffrey's public endorsement is significant, coming from an established industry insider. Such statements often influence public perception and can reframe critical discourse around a film. By focusing on the movie's engagement factor and his own repeat viewing, Jaffrey shifts the conversation from politics back to pure cinema and storytelling prowess.
As 'Dhurandhar' continues its historic box office journey and the sequel approaches, the film remains a potent topic of discussion—both for its cinematic achievements and the cultural conversations it has ignited.
