A Hindi-language spy thriller, “Dhurandhar,” released earlier this month, has become a box office success in India while simultaneously sparking debate. The 3.5-hour film stars Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy tasked with infiltrating criminal networks in Karachi, Pakistan, to address threats to India’s national security.
A Backdrop of Tensions
The film’s narrative unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations. Earlier this year, the two countries engaged in days of intense exchanges involving missiles, drones, and artillery fire. “Dhurandhar” has garnered praise for its plot and action sequences, but has also drawn criticism.
Concerns Over Nationalist Narratives
Critics argue that “Dhurandhar” is part of a growing trend in Bollywood toward hyper-nationalist storytelling, exemplified by films such as “The Kashmir Files,” “Kerala Story,” and “Chhaava.” These critics contend that Bollywood has increasingly aligned with the ideology of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2014, often presenting politically favorable interpretations of history.
Some state governments led by the BJP have even offered tax incentives to filmmakers producing such content. Last year, the film “Article 370” received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its endorsement of the government’s position on Kashmir and its portrayal of the 2019 abrogation of the territory’s semi-autonomous status.
Film critic Ishita Sengupta noted that the success of films like “The Kashmir Files” and “The Kerala Story” has incentivized filmmakers to pursue similar narratives, viewing them as a profitable gamble. Shahrukh Alam, a Supreme Court lawyer, described these films as “lazy, state-sponsored, majoritarian filmmaking serving power for easy profits.” Alam further argued that these films incite anger, fear, and anxiety without offering resolution, potentially amplifying hate speech and discrimination.
BJP Defends the Trend
The BJP has rejected accusations of propaganda, asserting that the films represent India’s right to tell its own stories. Shazia Ilmi, a BJP spokesperson, questioned why India should not celebrate its “heroism and resilience,” particularly given its history with Pakistan. Ilmi drew parallels to Western cinema, citing examples of Russian antagonists in Hollywood blockbusters and arguing that a double standard is at play.
The film has also faced backlash against its critics. A review by Anupama Chopra, which described the film as “exhausting” and exhibiting “shrill nationalism,” was removed from YouTube following online abuse.
Dramatization vs. Propaganda
Ira Bhaskar, a former professor of cinema studies, emphasized that the distinction between dramatization and propaganda hinges on the ideology driving the narrative and the evidence supporting it. She stated that propaganda emerges when films present the ruling government’s ideology as “historical truth,” often with state support and tax exemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central plot of “Dhurandhar?”
The film centers on an Indian spy, played by Ranveer Singh, who infiltrates criminal networks in Karachi, Pakistan, to neutralize threats to Indian national security.
What is the criticism surrounding the film?
Critics argue that “Dhurandhar” promotes hyper-nationalist narratives and aligns with the ideology of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), potentially at the expense of nuance and historical accuracy.
How has the BJP responded to the criticism?
The BJP has rejected the characterization of the film as propaganda, arguing that it represents India’s right to tell its own stories and celebrate its resilience.
As Bollywood continues to navigate this intersection of entertainment and national politics, it remains to be seen whether this trend of nationalist filmmaking will continue to dominate the Indian box office and shape public discourse.
Worth a look