Poet and commentator Kumar Vishwas It has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, a franchise that has sparked divided reactions online, with some calling it “propaganda”. Speaking in an interview with Zingabad, Vishwas shared his perspective, backing the film, addressing the larger conversation around storytelling and narrative bias.Vishwas Dhurandhar revealed that he marked a rare film debut.“Yes, I saw a film after a very long time. In fact, after almost 15 years I saw a film in a theater.”
“Wasn’t that propaganda too?”
Responding to claims that the film pushes a particular agenda, he compared it to world cinema.“Look, Steven Spielberg He made Schindler’s List. He is Jewish, and his family survived Hitler’s atrocities. It took years to make and win several Oscars. Wasn’t that also somehow propaganda?’He added that every filmmaker brings his own worldview to the screen.“Any filmmaker has their own thought process. Aditya Dhar he has his own vision. He is a displaced Kashmiri.’Vishwas also suggested that narratives have existed in cinema for a long time, but reactions differ depending on what it narrates.“Yes, they did. Now if someone else has made a film with effort, craft and detail, it suddenly becomes a problem.”
“Even if it’s propaganda, against whom?”
Addressing the basic criticisms, he questioned the intention behind the narrative.“I’m not saying that. I’m saying … even if it’s propaganda, the question is: against whom?”He further added, “If it is anti-Pakistan, why should Indians oppose it? When the country’s enemies are shown being wiped out, would you applaud or criticize it?”Referring to the portraits inspired by real-life figures, Vishwas said, “If someone who attacked India appears under sentence and is talking to India’s National Security Adviser saying ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, would you applaud?“At least 10% of what we want – if that is shown – why not rate it?
“Movies should be seen as movies”
Emphasizing creative freedom, Vishwas claimed that cinema should be seen as an artistic medium.“Films should be seen as films. Each creator tells a story through his own lens.”“If I write about Lord Ram, my interpretation will be different from someone else’s. Similarly, a filmmaker presents his own version.”He also pointed out that the discomfort can come from how the film is made.“That’s the point. Before, people called things propaganda because they were crude. Now it’s beautifully crafted, aesthetically crafted and professionally executed, which makes it harder to ignore.’
“I told him he made a very good film”
Ending on a positive note, Vishwas praised the film’s team. “I have praised Aditya Dhar. I even called him and told him that he has made a very good film. He is like a little brother to me.”He is also an acclaimed actor Yami Gautamand added: “He’s also very talented.”Highlighting the director’s versatility, he said despite being related to filmmakers Sanjay Leela Bhansali“he has made a powerful action film”, calling it a testament to his skill.
