Javed Akhtar reacts to ‘propaganda’ debate around Dhurandhar

Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding Dhurandhar: The Revenge being labelled a “propaganda film,” questioning the definition of the term while defending creative expression in cinema.

Speaking during a media interaction at an award event, Akhtar said he enjoyed the film and described it as “excellent,” while adding that he personally preferred the first installment.

‘Every story takes a stand’

Responding to criticism of the Dhurandhar franchise, Akhtar challenged the idea that films with a viewpoint should automatically be considered propaganda.

“I don’t know what you mean by propaganda films. I loved Dhurandhar, which was an excellent film. I liked the first one more than the second,” he said.

He further added:

“Every story takes some stand, but does it become propaganda because the narrative isn’t suited to a section of the audience? Everyone has the right to propagate their ideas. What is wrong with propaganda films? The task of every filmmaker is to present the truth.”

Akhtar also noted that even fictional or fantasy narratives carry underlying ideas, suggesting that complete neutrality in storytelling is difficult to achieve.

Debate around Dhurandhar franchise

The Dhurandhar: The Revenge and its predecessor have sparked discussions among audiences and critics, with some alleging that the films promote a particular political narrative.

The franchise, headlined by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, is a two-part espionage thriller inspired by real events. The cast also includes Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sara Arjun, among others.

Despite mixed critical responses, both films have achieved major commercial success and have been widely discussed across platforms.

Box office performance and global expansion

The franchise has recorded significant box office milestones. The first film, released on December 5, 2025, reportedly earned over Rs 1,300 crore worldwide.

Its sequel, released on March 19, 2026, grossed approximately Rs 1,788 crore globally, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films, behind Dangal and surpassing Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.

The combined earnings of the franchise have crossed Rs 3,000 crore worldwide, marking a milestone for an Indian film series.

Following its domestic success, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release in Japan on July 10, 2026, signaling its continued international reach.

Akhtar on storytelling and changing cinema

Beyond the controversy, Akhtar reflected on the nature of storytelling, stating that films evolve alongside society. He noted that changing moral values and audience expectations influence the kind of stories filmmakers choose to tell.

He emphasized that cinema often reflects societal shifts, reinforcing his view that narratives naturally carry perspectives that audiences may interpret differently.

Conclusion

Javed Akhtar’s remarks highlight a broader conversation about creative freedom and interpretation in cinema. While the Dhurandhar franchise continues to achieve commercial success, debates around its messaging underline the diverse ways audiences engage with storytelling.