Poet and commentator Kumar Vishwas has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, a franchise that has sparked divided reactions online, with some calling it “propaganda”. Speaking in an interview with Zingabad, Vishwas shared his perspective, supporting the film while addressing the larger conversation about storytelling and narrative bias.Vishwas began by revealing that Dhurandhar is a rare cinematic outing for him.“Yes, after a very long time I saw a movie, actually I watched a movie in the cinema about 15 years later.”
“Wasn’t this propaganda too?”
In response to claims that the film pushes a certain agenda, he made a comparison with world cinema.“Look, Steven Spielberg directed Schindler’s List. He’s Jewish, and his family are survivors of Hitler’s atrocities. It took years to make and won several Oscars. Wasn’t this also propaganda to some extent?”He added that every director presents his vision of the world on screen.“Any filmmaker comes with his own thought process. Aditya Dhar has his own point of view. He is a displaced Kashmiri.”Vishwas also suggested that narratives have been around for a long time in cinema, but reactions vary depending on who is telling them.
“Yes, they did. Now, if someone else makes a movie with the effort and craftsmanship and detail, it suddenly becomes a problem.”
“Even if it was propaganda, against whom?”
Addressing the basic criticism, he questioned the intent behind the narrative.“I’m not saying that. I’m saying – even if it’s propaganda, the question is: against whom?”He added: “If it is against Pakistan, why do Indians object? When the country’s enemies appear to be eliminated, do you applaud or criticize?”Referring to the images inspired by real-life personalities, Vishwas said: “If someone who attacked India was shown being punished, talking to India’s National Security Advisor saying ‘Bharat mata ki jai’, would you applaud or object?”“At least 10% of what we wish for, if it is offered, why not appreciate it?”
He watches
Did Vishal Bhardwaj attack Dhurandhar 2? The debate is intensifying online
“Films should be seen as films.”
Emphasizing creative freedom, Vishwas asserted that cinema should be viewed as an artistic medium.“Films should be seen as films. Each creator tells a story through their own lens.”“If I write about Lord Ram, my interpretation will be different from someone else’s. Likewise, the director gives his own version.”He also noted that the discomfort may stem from the way the film was executed.“That’s exactly the point. Earlier, people called things propaganda because it was crass.
It has now been meticulously, aesthetically designed and professionally executed, which is why it has become difficult to ignore.
“I told him he made a very good movie.”
Vishwas ended the film on a positive note, praising the film’s team. “I praised Aditya Dhar. I even called him and told him that he has made a very good film. He is like a younger brother to me.”He also expressed his appreciation to the actor
Yami Gautam
Adding, “She’s also very talented.”He highlighted the director’s diversity, and said that despite his association with filmmakers such as
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
“He has made a powerful action film,” he said, calling it a testament to his skill.
