Shobhaa De Offers Candid Take on Dhurandhar's Legacy and Upcoming Sequel
As the highly anticipated sequel Dhurandhar 2 prepares for its March 19 release, the original film continues to dominate conversations in Bollywood circles, nearly three months after its debut. The movie, which faced accusations of being a propaganda piece, has now received a nuanced analysis from veteran journalist and author Shobhaa De, who recently shared her detailed perspectives in an exclusive interview.
From Casual Encounter to Cinematic Revelation
De revealed that her initial interest in Dhurandhar stemmed from a chance meeting with Ranveer Singh during his preparation phase. "My husband and I have known him since he entered films," she recounted. "I didn't want to interrupt him, but he is a very well-mannered young man and joined our table briefly at a cafe in Alibaug."
During that encounter, Singh spoke enthusiastically about his upcoming project without revealing the title, mentioning his need to gain approximately 15 kilograms and grow out his hair and beard for the role. "He was completely immersed in the preparation," De noted, "and at that time, he was only prepping for Dhurandhar."
Beyond Spy Universe Expectations
What began as curiosity about Singh's physical transformation quickly evolved into appreciation for the film's broader ambitions. De admitted she initially expected Dhurandhar to follow the typical spy-universe fantasy template but was pleasantly surprised by its departure from convention.
"More than anything else, I felt this was an important film because it didn't follow the typical spy-universe fantasy route," she explained. "It wasn't a local James Bond. It was a filmmaker telling significant stories that the younger generation might not know about, like Kandahar and the Mumbai terror attacks."
Praising Ambitious Filmmaking
De particularly commended director Aditya Dhar's approach to contemporary history, noting: "Taking contemporary history and crafting a narrative for today's generation around a larger-than-life undercover agent who I believe did exist is ambitious. The scale was massive."
She highlighted how the film explored Lyari and the underworld of that era, drawing several historical parallels that added depth to the narrative. "From that perspective, I think it is very powerful filmmaking," De stated, contrasting it with more entertainment-focused spy films like Pathaan, which she described as featuring "glamorous counter-spies trying to woo the hero" rather than reflecting reality.
Critiquing the Hype Machine
While praising the film's overall quality, De didn't shy away from criticizing what she perceived as manipulative marketing tactics, particularly regarding co-star Akshaye Khanna's reception. "Another manipulative aspect was creating the impression that Akshaye is the bigger star and that he alone stood out, even crediting his dance as the highlight," she observed.
She also commented on the industry's reaction to the film's political dimensions, noting that "nobody asked Hrithik Roshan whether he agreed with the politics of the film." According to De, Roshan could have simply expressed appreciation but chose to endorse the film more enthusiastically.
Technical Excellence and Cultural Impact
Despite her critiques, De acknowledged the film's technical achievements, stating: "The choreography, the use of music, and the casting in Dhurandhar are all brilliant." She described the movie as "like a political bomb" that she wasn't prepared for, emphasizing its cultural significance beyond mere entertainment.
As Dhurandhar 2 approaches its March 19 release date, De's analysis provides valuable context for understanding the original film's complex reception—both as a cinematic achievement and as a subject of political controversy in Bollywood's evolving landscape.
