Javed Akhtar DEFENDS Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar; Questions, “What Is Wrong With Propaganda Films?”

At a time when the debate around ‘propaganda’ in cinema continues to divide audiences, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has weighed in with a sharp and measured take. Known for his clarity and candour, Akhtar addressed the growing tendency to label films as propaganda, while also expressing his admiration for filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar. This film has sparked discussion around the same issue.

Javed Akhtar DEFENDS Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar Being Called A Propaganda Film

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an award function in Kolkata, Javed Akhtar responded to a question about films like Dhurandhar being tagged as propaganda. He said, “I don’t know what you mean by propaganda films. I loved Dhurandhar, which was an excellent film. I loved the first one more than the second one.”

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The veteran addressed the larger debate. He argued that storytelling itself involves perspective and ideology. “Every story takes some stand, but does it become propaganda because the narrative isn’t suited to a section of the audience? Everyone has the right to propagate their ideas. What is wrong with propaganda films? The task of every filmmaker is to present the truth. Even if the narrative of a movie is built on a fairy tale, it will have some ideology in a way,” he added.

Javed Akhtar made these remarks during the PC Chandra Puraskar event in Kolkata, where he received a special honour for his contribution to the arts. The interaction quickly drew attention, especially given the ongoing conversations around political messaging in mainstream cinema.

About Dhurandhar

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has remained at the centre of this debate. The spy thriller, featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead, received praise for its scale and storytelling. At the same time, some critics questioned its political undertones, arguing that it appeared to favour certain narratives while downplaying others. The filmmaker has not publicly responded to these claims so far.

Despite the differing opinions, Akhtar’s remarks shift the focus back to a broader idea. He suggests that cinema, by nature, reflects viewpoints. In the end, his stance underlines a simple argument. Films tell stories from a perspective, and audiences will always interpret them in their own way.

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Also Read: Javed Akhtar Jokingly Reprimands Aamir Khan For Stating He In His ‘Eighties’; Quips, “Your Statement Has A Very Negative Effect On My Age”

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.