Mukesh Chhabra Dismisses ‘Propaganda Film’ Tag, Says Dhurandhar is About Cinema Only
Mukesh Chhabra responds to propaganda allegations against Dhurandhar, saying he views cinema purely as storytelling.
Casting Director Mukesh Chhabra has dismissed accusations labelling Aditya Dhar's spy thriller Dhurandhar as a "propaganda film", emphasising his passion for cinema over political interpretations. In a December 12, 2025, interview with Free Press Journal, Chhabra stated that he focuses solely on creating worlds through casting, regardless of genre, citing his work on diverse projects like Chillar Party and Gangs of Wasseypur. He noted that debates over the film's intent are ongoing but irrelevant to his role.
Released on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar—starring Ranveer Singh as an undercover Indian agent infiltrating Karachi's underworld—has sparked polarised views for its depiction of India-Pakistan tensions and inspiration from real events like terror attacks. While praised for performances, direction, and action, some critics and viewers have called it jingoistic or inflammatory, with outlets like IGN describing it as skirting "hateful propaganda" and Pakistani commentators highlighting factual inaccuracies.
Chhabra's response echoes similar sentiments from the team, including actor R Madhavan, who earlier suggested early negative reviews might stem from agendas, comparing them to backlash faced by classics like Rang De Basanti. Madhavan argued that detractors often fade while impactful films endure, urging evolution in perspectives.
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Despite controversy, including harassment of critics condemned by the Film Critics Guild and bans in several Gulf countries, Dhurandhar has performed strongly at the box office, crossing ₹200 crore nett in India within its first week and continuing robust collections. Supporters view it as a gripping espionage saga, while detractors see overt nationalism blurring entertainment and messaging.
The film, featuring Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, is the first of a planned two-part series, with the sequel slated for 2026. Celebrities like Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone have praised elements of the production amid the discourse.
Ongoing debates reflect broader discussions on nationalism in Indian cinema, with Dhurandhar joining recent titles scrutinised for political undertones. The team maintains focus on storytelling, as public and critical opinions remain divided.
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