Javed Akhtar Stands Up for Dhurandhar Amid Controversy

The Dhurandhar franchise, directed by Aditya Dhar, has achieved remarkable success, crossing the Rs 1000 crore mark globally. Despite facing criticism for being labeled as 'propaganda', Javed Akhtar has come forward to defend the film, praising its storytelling and creative vision. He emphasizes that every film carries its own ideology and that filmmakers have the right to express their narratives. Yami Gautam, Aditya's wife, also shares insights on their journey and the film's success. With Dhurandhar 2 grossing over Rs 1,700 crore, the franchise continues to make waves in the industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 4, 2026, 08:49 IST

Dhurandhar Franchise Breaks Records

Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar series has made a significant impact on the film industry, with each installment surpassing the Rs 1000 crore mark globally, establishing a new standard for future films. However, some viewers have labeled the film as 'propaganda'. Despite this criticism, the creators, including the cast and crew, have remained unfazed. Recently, renowned screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar came to the film's defense during an event where he was questioned about the film's alleged propaganda elements.

Javed Akhtar Defends the Film

Javed Akhtar defends Dhurandhar

During the event, Akhtar expressed his confusion regarding the term 'propaganda films'. He shared his admiration for Dhurandhar, calling it 'an excellent film' and stated that he preferred the first installment over the second. He questioned, "Does a story become propaganda simply because it doesn't resonate with a certain audience?" He emphasized that everyone has the right to express their ideas and challenged the notion that there is anything inherently wrong with propaganda films.

Underlying Ideologies in Films

Akhtar elaborated that even a fairytale-based film carries an underlying ideology. He praised Aditya's creative vision in narrating Dhurandhar's story, noting that every film conveys its own morals, which can be interpreted in various ways.

Praise for Dhurandhar

Dhurandhar is a great film, says Javed Akhtar

In a prior interview with a media outlet, Akhtar had expressed his admiration for both Superboys Of Malegaon and Dhurandhar, labeling the spy thriller as a 'great film'. He mentioned that he reached out to Aditya to congratulate him on the film's quality after watching it.

Yami Gautam Reflects on Success

Yami Gautam on Dhurandhar's success

Following the massive success of Dhurandhar 2, Yami Gautam, who is married to Aditya, shared in a recent interview that their lives remain unchanged. In a conversation with a lifestyle magazine, she praised her husband for his humility and resilience through various phases of their journey, expressing gratitude for their achievements.

Dhurandhar 2 Box Office Success

Dhurandhar 2 box office

As per industry reports, Dhurandhar 2 has grossed over Rs 1,700 crore worldwide since its release on March 19. The film features a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Rakesh Bedi, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and others.