The blockbuster espionage thriller 'Dhurandhar' continues its historic box office run, now poised to cross the monumental Rs 900 crore mark globally. While the film has garnered widespread acclaim, it has also faced criticism from a section of viewers and commentators who label it a 'propaganda movie'. The latest to enter this debate is actor Naveen Kaushik, who played the role of Donga in the film, directly responding to popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee's critical analysis.
Naveen Kaushik's Sharp Retort to Critical Video
In a recent interview with SCREEN, Naveen Kaushik addressed the video posted by Dhruv Rathee, in which the YouTuber dissected the film and called it a "dangerous propaganda" piece built on lies. Kaushik did not mince words, accusing Rathee of attempting to cash in on the film's massive popularity. "He is an opinionated person. I am associated with the film; I don’t agree with him, obviously," stated Kaushik.
The actor added a pointed remark, suggesting Rathee benefited from the film's fame, saying, "He got some views because of us; congratulations." This reaction adds to the growing chorus from the film's team defending the project. Earlier, actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee had also lashed out at Rathee on social media platform X, telling him to "stop thinking about Dhurandhar" after his video appeared in her feed.
Dhruv Rathee's Controversial Take and Audience Backlash
Dhruv Rathee's detailed video critique argued that 'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar, serves as a propaganda tool. His analysis claimed the narrative was constructed on falsehoods, sparking significant online debate. However, the video itself faced substantial backlash from sections of the audience. The criticism was so intense that Rathee eventually turned off the comments section on the video, a move that further fueled discussions about the film's polarizing reception.
This incident highlights the intense scrutiny and divergent opinions that major cinematic releases often attract in today's hyper-connected digital landscape, where narratives are frequently dissected for political and social subtext.
Dhurandhar's Unstoppable Box Office Journey
Amidst the controversy, the film's commercial success remains undeniable. In India alone, 'Dhurandhar' has raked in over Rs 589 crore since its release on December 5, 2025. The global collection hurtling towards the Rs 900 crore milestone is a testament to its widespread audience appeal.
Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Sara Arjun, with notable performances from supporting actors like Naveen Kaushik, Danish Pandor, and Gaurav Gera. The film's success has already set the stage for its sequel, which is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026.
The clash between critical online commentary and the film's resounding commercial and popular victory underscores the complex relationship between art, perception, and box office numbers in contemporary Indian cinema.
