Dhurandhar 2 Called Propaganda, But Bollywood Has Always Loved Loud Patriotism

The buzz around Dhurandhar 2 is growing rapidly, even before its release. Yet the sequel is already being labelled as propaganda by critics and commentators.

The first film, Dhurandhar, became one of the biggest pop culture phenomena in recent memory. It sparked intense debates among audiences and eventually emerged as a major box office success.

The upcoming sequel is now facing similar scrutiny, with some critics questioning its political messaging.

The Story Behind Dhurandhar

The film’s story draws loose inspiration from gang conflicts in Lyari in Karachi.

In the narrative, gangster Rehman Dakait, played by Akshaye Khanna, controls the criminal underworld of the region.

Indian spy Hamza Ali Mazari, played by Ranveer Singh, infiltrates Dakait’s network. He eventually rises through the ranks and kills the crime boss.

The sequel follows Mazari’s quest for revenge linked to events such as the Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The Debate Over ‘Propaganda’

The trailer of Dhurandhar 2 opens with a provocative line and ends with the spy declaring that India will decide Pakistan’s future.

Such lines have triggered debate about whether the film carries a political agenda. However, loud patriotic rhetoric has long been part of mainstream Bollywood storytelling.

In the 1980s and 1990s, films such as Hukumat and Tahalka popularised muscular action narratives.

Similarly, the 1994 film Krantiveer featured a famous patriotic monologue by Nana Patekar, which became widely celebrated and even earned him a National Award.

The trend continued with blockbuster films like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Maa Tujhe Salaam, where strong nationalist dialogue became part of mass entertainment.

Changing Audience Scrutiny

What has changed today is the level of scrutiny. Dialogues from films are now frequently dissected online, with political interpretations often dominating public debate.

In Dhurandhar, one controversial line references a future government that “actually cares,” while another dialogue declares “Ye naya India hai.”

Some critics view these lines as reflective of the current political climate.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap acknowledged these concerns but still praised the film’s craft. He compared the debate to global cinema, pointing out that films like The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty also present strong national perspectives.

The Tradition of the Spy Thriller

Spy films around the world often show events from the hero’s national perspective.

Pakistan’s blockbuster Waar portrays Indian agents as antagonists. Similarly, Western franchises such as Top Gun: Maverick celebrate military heroism.

These narratives highlight how action cinema frequently reflects the geopolitical narratives of its audience.

Bollywood’s Changing Audience Taste

Recent box office trends suggest audiences are drawn to large scale spectacle and intense action.

Films such as Animal and Gadar 2 have achieved major commercial success despite criticism over violence and hyper masculinity.

At the same time, films with quieter themes, like Ikkis directed by Sriram Raghavan, have struggled at the box office despite positive reviews.

Spectacle Over Politics

Supporters of Dhurandhar argue that its appeal lies primarily in scale, action and star power rather than political messaging.

The film uses stylised action, suspense and revenge driven storytelling to deliver a traditional masala entertainer.

With the sequel expected to follow the theme of “Honsla, Eendhan, Badla,” Dhurandhar 2 aims to build on the success of the original film.

The debate around propaganda versus entertainment is likely to continue, but the franchise clearly sits within the long tradition of Bollywood’s loud, high energy action cinema.