Akhilesh Yadav Accuses Government of Funding 'Paid Propaganda' Film Dhurandhar-2
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has launched a sharp critique against the ruling establishment, alleging that the recently released film Dhurandhar-2 constitutes 'paid propaganda' aimed at defaming opposition parties. In a pointed statement, Yadav claimed that public money is being misused to finance such projects, including their promotional releases.
Yadav's Allegations on Government Spending
"You're making films by spending money to defame other parties; I think too much money has reached these people," Yadav remarked, taking a direct swipe at the government. He further asserted that the administration is actively funding these cinematic endeavors, suggesting a systematic effort to utilize state resources for political gains through media.
Box Office Success Amid Controversy
Yadav's comments emerge against the backdrop of the film's remarkable commercial performance. Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has swiftly crossed the Rs 300 crore mark at the domestic box office within just three days of its release last Thursday. The sequel follows Dhar's 2025 film Dhurandhar, featuring a star-studded cast including R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi.
Film's Plot and Production Details
The Dhurandhar franchise is set in Karachi's Lyari area, renowned for its history of gang wars, and revolves around covert intelligence operations against major geopolitical and terror events. Key historical incidents depicted include:
- The Kandahar plane hijack
- The 2001 Parliament attack
- The 26/11 Mumbai attacks
The sequel specifically traces the rise of Ranveer Singh's character, Hamza Ali Mazari, in Karachi's underworld, while exploring his origins as Jaskirat Singh Rangi and his transformation into a covert operative. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, the film has been released in multiple languages to broaden its reach, including:
- Hindi
- Telugu
- Tamil
- Kannada
- Malayalam
Political Implications and Broader Context
Yadav's allegations highlight ongoing tensions between political factions, with the opposition accusing the government of leveraging popular culture for partisan objectives. The controversy underscores the intersection of cinema and politics, raising questions about the ethical use of public funds in entertainment that carries political undertones. As the film continues to draw audiences, this dispute is likely to fuel further debate on the role of state support in media projects perceived as politically charged.
