Amid the controversy over Aditya Dhar’s Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge being labeled a ‘propaganda film’, actor Naveen Kaushik chimed in, offering a multi-layered take on the controversy and urging audiences to look beyond superficial reactions. He also addressed Dhruv Rathi’s ‘propaganda’ claim and Anupama Chopra’s review of Durandar.
Amid the controversy over Aditya Dhar’s Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge being labeled a ‘propaganda film’, actor Naveen Kaushik chimed in, offering a multi-layered take on the controversy and urging audiences to look beyond superficial reactions.
“The political side of life ka har is connected to hota hai.”
Reacting to the rhetoric raised by Dhruv Rathi, Naveen told Indian Rush, “Mera maanna hai life ka har, political aspect is attached to hota hai. Chahe wo national politics ho ya personal politics ho. Log in ki relationship ke andar bhi kahin na kahin policy hoti hai.” (I believe that every aspect of life is connected to politics – whether it is national politics or interpersonal dynamics. And even in relationships, there is always some level of politics.
)He added: “Politics chhoti-moti bhi hoti hai… koi bhi film jo achhibanegi, usme kahin na kahin ek politics and ideology dikhegi.” (Politics exists in subtle ways too… any good film will reflect some form of politics or ideology).
“Yes, this film has a bad effect on it, I don’t like it”
Talking about the multi-layered narrative of the film, he said, “Yeh aisi film nahi hai jisko ek baar dekh ke samajh jaoge. Isko baar-baar dekhna badega… aisa kyun kar rahe hain characters, woh samajhnapadega.”
(This is not a movie you can understand in one viewing. You need to watch it several times to understand why the characters act the way they do.)He explained how the film avoids obvious characterization, “Yahan pe blatant characters nahi milenge… Villain aki nahi bulega ‘main tera khoon kar donga’. Woh haste hue, gaane pe naachte hue bhi aa sakta hai.” (You won’t find screaming characters here… the villain won’t just come and declare his intentions.
He can smile or even dance while making a mistake.)Adding more, he said, “Logon ko lagega kya khoobsurat lag raha hai, lekin woh kitni bhaddi harkat karne aaya hai… apne hi logon ko maarne walon ko bandook de raha hai.” (It may seem charming on the surface, but the character may be doing something deeply problematic underneath.)
“Hero bhi siddha-sadha nahi hai”
Talking about the protagonist, Naveen pointed out, “The hero yahan aisa nahi hai ki kuch bhi ho gaye, sab theke kar deega.
“Woh ek ladki se Romance bhi kar raha hai aur uske Father ke saath plot bhi… humein nahi pata woh use kar raha hai ya sach mein pyaar karta hai.” (The hero is not straightforward either. He could be in love, or he could be taking advantage of someone – and the film keeps that ambiguity alive).He added, “The art film mein aapko nuances pakadnepadte hain… is a film mein bhi wahi karnapadega.” (In art-driven cinema, you need to capture nuances, and this film demands that of the audience.)
“Kaunsi hai jismi film nahi hai policy?”
Addressing criticism from reviewers like Anupama Chopra, he said, “Aap Bata do kaunsi film hai jisme policy nahi hai… Hollywood ho, European ho, Bollywood ho ya South films – sab mein kahin na kahin ideology hoti hai.” (Tell me about one movie that has nothing to do with politics…be it Hollywood, Europe, Bollywood, or southern cinema – every movie carries some ideology).He added: “Agar aap ek lens leke dekho, toh kisi bhi cheez ko Propaganda bol sakte ho.”
(If you choose to look at it through a certain lens, you can call anything propaganda.)
He watches
Anurag Kashyap reacts to Dhurandhar’s success, leaves a vague political warning
Movie ko ek-do baar dekhna chahiye tha
Echoing R Madhavan’s remark, Naveen said, “Firstly, shadh ke hod mein login film dekhi pinna hai aan kar diya ke kharab hai…pehle dekh toh lo.” (In their rush to be the first to react, people judged the film without watching it properly.)He also highlighted the audience response, saying, “Pakistan sends messages aa rahe hain, Dubai se a rahe hain…
“Log keh rahe hain film achhi lagi, jabki unhe Hindi bhi nahi aati.” (I have received letters from places like Pakistan and Dubai – people who don’t even understand Hindi appreciate the film.)
“Film ko akra ka sorus mat banao”
In conclusion, Naveen emphasized responsible viewing. “Sabke paas freedom of expression hai… aap bol sakte ho, main discussion kar sakta hoon. Lekin ko hate ka source mat banao, violence ka instigator mat banao.” (Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but the film should not become a source of hatred or violence.)He added, “Film hai, film ke flo mein dekhye. Agar kuch sekin ko milta hai toh lo jaye… baas usko enjoy keji.” (It’s a movie – experience it as one. Take what you learn from it, and simply enjoy it.)
