In a notable observation on cinema and public sentiment, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that audiences in the Kashmir Valley are flocking to watch the film Dhurandhar, headlined by Ranveer Singh, even as it is widely perceived as a propaganda movie. The comment highlights a significant shift in viewership patterns for content labelled as 'hypernationalist' in the region.
Audience Acceptance Overrides Political Narrative
Omar Abdullah made these remarks during a candid conversation at the Express Adda event in New Delhi on December 19, 2025. While clarifying that he has not watched Dhurandhar or the earlier controversial film The Kashmir Files, and does not intend to, he presented a ground report based on box office performance.
"I haven't seen either and truth be told, I don't intend to see either of them," Abdullah stated. He then drew a comparison, noting, "The first movie (The Kashmir Files) didn't do very well in the Valley, but the second one (Dhurandhar)... seems to be doing roaring business."
Multiplex Owner's Nod Confirms Box Office Boom
Abdullah's assessment was directly corroborated by a key stakeholder present at the event. He pointed out prominent Kashmiri multiplex owner Vijay Dhar in the audience, stating that Dhar was "nodding away saying that his box office is doing great with this second movie."
This firsthand account confirms that the film is not only performing well in Srinagar but is also running to packed houses in smaller towns across the Valley, including Pulwama and Shopian. Abdullah concluded, "Clearly, the audience in Kashmir, even if it is a propaganda movie, is quite happy to be entertained by it."
Record-Breaking Numbers Tell the Financial Story
The box office figures for Dhurandhar substantiate the talk of its widespread acceptance. The film has achieved a staggering worldwide collection of Rs 702 crore. Within India, it has amassed approximately Rs 460 crore, securing its position as the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, trailing only behind Chhaava.
This performance starkly contrasts with the theatrical earnings of The Kashmir Files, which collected Rs 252 crore during its entire 10-week run in 2022. The commercial success of Dhurandhar has been so formidable that a sequel has already been announced and is slated for release in just three months' time.
Featuring an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi, the film's blend of high-octane action and nationalistic themes appears to have resonated with a broad spectrum of the cinema-going public, transcending regional and political divides.
