The Dhurandhar series has remained in the spotlight ever since its first instalment hit theatres in December 2025. Apart from breaking box office records, the film quickly became a major topic of discussion online, generating memes, fan theories, and viral moments. Its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, released on March 19 this year, went on to surpass the success of the first part, setting even bigger benchmarks.

However, alongside its massive popularity, the franchise has also faced criticism, with some viewers calling it “propaganda.” Addressing the debate, veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar shared his thoughts during a recent public appearance, where he was honoured at an event.

When asked about the label, Akhtar said, “I don’t know what you mean by propaganda films. I loved Dhurandhar; it was an excellent film. I liked the first one more than the second.”

He further added, “Every story takes a stand, but does it become propaganda because the narrative doesn’t suit 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.”

Expanding on his view, Akhtar pointed out that every story—whether realistic or fictional—carries an underlying perspective or belief. According to him, films naturally reflect certain ideas, and how audiences interpret them often depends on personal viewpoints.

The franchise features a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Danish Pandor.