The espionage thriller 'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar, continues to dominate the global box office while simultaneously sparking intense debate. The film is now inching towards the monumental milestone of Rs 1200 crore in worldwide collections, a testament to its massive audience appeal. However, its success has been shadowed by a section of critics and social media users labeling it a propaganda piece. Amidst this polarizing reception, veteran filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has stepped forward with strong words of support and a nuanced defense of the film and its creator.
Sudhir Mishra's Robust Praise for Aditya Dhar's Craft
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sudhir Mishra engaged with users and offered unprompted praise for 'Dhurandhar'. His comments came in response to a query about films on serious social issues. Mishra seized the moment to applaud Dhar, stating, "One of us has the guts. There is a film. You’ll see it soon." He also made a pointed distinction about the industry's identity, adding, "Also please stop lumping us all under one brand, called Bollywood. We belong to the Indian Film Industry, and we are all different. By the way, Dhurandhar is a well-made film. Aditya Dhar is extremely skilled."
Mishra's appreciation went beyond generalities. He delved into the specifics of filmmaking, highlighting the director's atmospheric command. "The acting is terrific. The most difficult thing in filmmaking is a director's ability to make us, the audience, smell the place, and Aditya Dhar, with the help of his brilliant cinematographer and production designer, manages to do just that," he noted. He also commended the precise casting, including minor parts, while humbly acknowledging his own different cinematic school.
A Direct Counter to the 'Propaganda' Allegation
The filmmaker did not shy away from directly addressing the elephant in the room. When an X user explicitly called 'Dhurandhar' a propaganda film with "an evil intent to monetise on pop nationalism & sectarian mindset," Mishra offered a sharp and constructive retort. He challenged the critic by saying, "Make a powerful film with all the virtues of a great cinema experience, which counters it." This response shifted the onus from mere criticism to creative counteraction, defending the film's legitimacy as a piece of cinema.
Dhurandhar's Box Office Triumph and Details
The numbers speak volumes about the film's reach. Globally, the spy action thriller is approaching the Rs 1200 crore mark. Domestically, it has already amassed a staggering over Rs 739 crore at the Indian box office. The film, set in Pakistan's Lyari Town, required elaborate sets that were constructed in Thailand to authentically recreate the location.
Featuring an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, 'Dhurandhar' was released in theaters on December 5, 2025. Its success has paved the way for a sequel, which is set to hit cinemas on March 19, 2026.
The conversation ignited by Sudhir Mishra underscores a larger debate within the Indian film industry about narrative, nationalism, and artistic merit. As 'Dhurandhar' continues its record-breaking run, the discourse around it proves that its impact extends far beyond the box office figures, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about cinematic ventures of the year.
