Some critics and journalists have described the film as part of a broader ‘BJP-RSS cultural project’ aimed at promoting a specific political ideology
NEW DELHI — Muslim clerics and religious scholars have severely criticised the film ‘Dhurandhar 2’ (also known as Dhurandhar: The Revenge) for its alleged promotion of communal division and stereotypical portrayal of Muslims.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, chief of the All India Muslim Jamaat, and Maulana Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain, Shahi Mufti of Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday accused the filmmakers of creating disputes between Hindus and Muslims for commercial gain.
The scholars criticised the movie for reinforcing narratives that portray Muslims and Pakistan as inherently violent, claiming the film suggests “everyone is a terrorist or a gangster”.
Speaking to IANS, Maulana Barelvi said, “Look, after watching the film ‘Dhurandhar 2’, it feels that everything shown in it is based on false stories. And everything built on such fabricated stories is also false. Some people associated with the film industry, especially directors, seem to have only one motive: To make money. In the race for money, they are creating divisions between Hindus and Muslims and trying to create disputes. They want to end the harmony and brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims.”
Echoing similar concerns, Maulana Husain questioned the legitimacy of films dealing with sensitive subjects without verification.
“First of all, our country has its agencies and the judiciary. Until the judiciary or these agencies confirm or take action, no one has the right to make such images or films targeting a specific community. I would also like to clarify that terrorism has no religion,” he told IANS.
Despite the controversy, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has made a strong start at the box office. The film held preview shows on March 18 ahead of its official release on Thursday and reportedly earned Rs 75 crore worldwide on its opening day, according to trade tracker Sacnilk.
However, cancellations and delays of several previews in India may lead to refunds, potentially affecting final figures.
Some critics and journalists, such as Arfa Khanum Shervani, have described the film as part of a broader “BJP-RSS cultural project” aimed at promoting a specific political ideology.
Critics pointed out that the film blends real-life events (like the 26/11 attacks and IC814 hijacking) with fictional elements, which some argue is a “malicious distortion” used to serve a particular ideological narrative.
Supporters of the film argue that it targets Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and should not be conflated with the Indian Muslim community.
Some commentators noted that Muslim audiences were seen cheering the film in theatres, suggesting that the “anti-Muslim” label is unfounded.
The film’s director has been described by some as a competent filmmaker whose work is commercially opportunistic rather than “ideologically sinister”.
The film has been banned in several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, due to its politically sensitive content.
The film has attracted attention not only for the performance by the actors but also for the controversies surrounding it. From court petitions and public outrage to debates over its political undertones, ‘Dhurandhar’ has remained in the headlines.
Allegations also emerged from the family of Ashoka Chakra awardee late Major Mohit Sharma, who claimed the film draws heavily from his life and covert operations.
Further criticism came from members of the Baloch diaspora, who objected to the portrayal of Baloch characters and insurgent groups.
Additionally, critics have argued that the film leans strongly towards nationalist themes, with its depiction of cross-border tensions and intelligence networks being viewed by some as politically charged and propagandist rather than purely cinematic. — With inputs from IANS
