‘Dhurandhar 2 is a Compelling Joyride; Those Who Call It Propaganda Miss the Point’

Rajan Srivastava, a Bollywood buff from Delhi-NCR, says at its heart, the Aditya Dhar blockbuster is a top-notch commercial entertainer. His views:

In a time when audiences are quick to label films as “propaganda” or “agenda-driven,” Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge stands out for a different reason—it simply aims to entertain. And it succeeds.

From the very first frame, the film establishes its tone: high-energy, dramatic, and unapologetically cinematic. Yes, it borrows elements from real-life incidents, but instead of turning them into a documentary-style narrative or pushing a rigid viewpoint, it embraces the quintessential Bollywood formula—larger-than-life characters, emotional arcs, and gripping twists. The result is a film that feels rooted in reality but elevated through storytelling.

That said, one cannot completely ignore that a political undertone does surface at a few points—largely due to the names and references used. Some viewers may interpret certain moments as being sympathetic to a particular political side. But that, perhaps, is where the film reflects a newer style of storytelling: It doesn’t preach, it doesn’t take a stand, but it flirts with perception, leaving space for interpretation rather than imposing a viewpoint.

What works strongly in the film’s favour is its balance. The makers don’t shy away from facts, but he also doesn’t get trapped in them. Instead, he uses those facts as a foundation to build a narrative that is accessible and engaging for a wide audience. There are moments of intensity, but they are offset with drama, music, and cinematic flair—reminding viewers that this is, at its heart, a commercial entertainer.

ALSO READ: ‘Dhurandhar May Have Its Flaws But It Isn’t Islamophobic’

A major credit for the film’s buzz goes to its strategic collaborations. Backing from music giants like T-Series and other big music houses has amplified its reach significantly. The soundtrack plays a crucial role—not just as an add-on but as a storytelling device. Each track seems carefully placed to enhance mood and maintain audience engagement, a classic Bollywood strength that the film leverages well.

Equally noteworthy is the marketing approach led by director Aditya Dhar. The campaign has been sharp, calculated, and highly visible. From teaser drops that sparked curiosity to promotional content that avoided revealing too much, the strategy ensured that audiences stayed intrigued. Social media engagement, music launches, and timely interviews created a steady build-up rather than a one-time hype spike—something many films struggle to achieve.

And let’s address the elephant in the room runtime. In an era where even two-and-a-half-hour films can feel stretched, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge manages to keep its nearly four-hour narrative engaging. That’s no small feat. Holding an audience’s attention for that long requires tight pacing, engaging screenplay, and constant emotional or visual hooks and the film delivers on most counts.

The film’s positioning as a “full entertainer” rather than a message-driven cinema has also worked in its favour. It allows viewers to walk into theatres without preconceived notions and simply enjoy the experience. In fact, that’s where Dhurandhar 2 wins, it doesn’t demand agreement or provoke debate; it invites you to watch, feel, and be entertained.

In conclusion, Dhurandhar 2 is not trying to be a political statement or a factual retelling—it is a cinematic ride. By blending reality with drama, acknowledging shades of political perception without being overtly preachy, and backing it all with strong music collaborations and smart marketing, it delivers what audiences often crave but don’t always get a complete entertainer. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

As told to Deepti Sharma