Critique of 'Dhurandhar': A Film's Political Messaging Under Fire

Ira Bhaskar, a film scholar and mother of actress Swara Bhaskar, has raised concerns about the political messaging in the film 'Dhurandhar'. During a discussion, she criticized the portrayal of Muslims and Pakistan, suggesting that the film presents a violent narrative. Her comments have ignited a debate online, with varied reactions from netizens. As 'Dhurandhar' prepares for a sequel, the conversation around representation in Indian cinema continues, questioning the impact of ideological narratives on audience perceptions. Explore the full discussion and insights from Bhaskar on this controversial topic.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 18:57 IST

Film Scholar Voices Concerns Over 'Dhurandhar'

Ira Bhaskar, a film scholar and mother of actress Swara Bhaskar, has expressed her disapproval of the political themes presented in the film Dhurandhar. Directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh, the movie has achieved remarkable commercial success. However, during a recent public forum, Bhaskar criticized the film for portraying Muslims and Pakistan in a predominantly negative and violent manner. Her comments have sparked a variety of reactions across social media platforms.

Alongside actors like Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun, 'Dhurandhar' has set records as the highest-grossing Hindi film to date.

Insights from Swara Bhaskar's Mother

During a discussion led by activist Harsh Mander on his YouTube channel, Karwan e Mohabbat, Bhaskar shared her insights. The panel also featured Harish Wankhede, an Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Bhaskar highlighted the issue of censorship in films, referencing titles like Punjab 95 and Phule, and used 'Dhurandhar' to illustrate how ideology can shape mainstream cinema.

While acknowledging Aditya Dhar's talent as a filmmaker and the technical quality of the film, she raised concerns about whether the artistic aspects can be divorced from the messages conveyed. Bhaskar argued that the film's narrative predominantly depicts Muslims through a violent lens, suggesting that they are inherently violent and portraying Pakistan as a nation of violence.

She noted that the film fails to present ordinary Muslim characters leading everyday lives, instead opting to depict them as terrorists or gangsters. Bhaskar emphasized that films based on real events often selectively choose incidents and perspectives that align with a specific ideological agenda, which influences how audiences perceive political and social matters.

The conversation also delved into the representation of Muslims and Dalits in contemporary Indian cinema, questioning whether films advocating for humanism and social equality receive adequate representation in the industry.

Upcoming Release of 'Dhurandhar 2'

The sequel, 'Dhurandhar 2', will once again be directed by Aditya Dhar and star Ranveer Singh, continuing the narrative of undercover agent Hamza Ali Mazari. It is set to hit theaters on March 19, 2026, with preview screenings scheduled for March 18. Early reports indicate a strong demand for the film, with advance bookings already generating significant revenue prior to the official pre-sales launch in India.