Veteran actor Anupam Kher He appreciated the ongoing debate about labeling cinema as propaganda, saying that ultimately the audience decides what works. At the 2026 Delhi International Film Festival, the actor pointed out that the success of films like Dhurandhar: The Revenge reflects genuine public choice, not manipulation.
“People are not stupid”
Addressing the media, Kher dismissed criticism of the film’s propaganda, saying: “I think we should ignore people who are calling the film propaganda. We are putting too much energy into it. They are redundant and irrelevant.”Referring to the box office response of films like The Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, he told ANI, “Let’s celebrate the success of Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar. People are not stupid. They won’t go to a packed 12:00 show if they really don’t like the movie. People go to see movies because they enjoy them. I think we should say in peace to those who call it propaganda.“
“Cinema can influence, but it’s also a business”
Reflecting on the greater prominence of cinema, Kher acknowledged its influence by emphasizing its commercial nature. “Can cinema change people? Yes, it can. It depends on the people sitting in the dark auditorium. But cinema is also a business, like any other,” he said.He also noted that while storytelling remains important, it ultimately takes away what resonates personally with audiences. “A lot of people run channels as a business; they don’t do it just to tell a story. But if I go to watch a movie, I might take something away from it,” he said.
He celebrates The Great Tanvi silver jubilee race
The actor also talked about the film Tanvi The Great which has completed 25 weeks in theatres. Calling it a significant milestone, Kher said, “it’s a silver jubilee. My belief was that we should run the film in limited theatres, and to re-release and complete 25 weeks is a big achievement.”
“Training is essential for today’s actors”
Emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship, Kher emphasized that formal training is essential in today’s industry. “Nowadays, there is no possibility of becoming an actor without training. I have lived 41 years in cinema and almost 52 years in professional theater, with more than 550 films, just because I am a trained actor,” he said.Likewise, OTT platforms have served to expand opportunities for actors, technicians, writers and directors, highlighting the key role that film festivals play in exchanging ideas and celebrating cinema.
It hails the Delhi Film Festival
Sharing his experience at the festival, Kher expressed his excitement about the scale and energy of the event. “I toured the whole place. It’s fabulous. The atmosphere is amazing. I’m very happy that my film Tanvi The Great is also being screened here,” he said, adding that he believes the festival will go from strength to strength in the coming years.It also has an ensemble cast including Tanvi The Great, Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tucker, Nassar and Iain Glen.
