Veteran actor Anupam Kher commented on the controversy over cinema being classified as propaganda, asserting that it is the audience who ultimately decides what works. Speaking at the Delhi International Film Festival 2026, the actor asserted that the success of films like Dhurandhar: The Revenge reflects a real public choice, not manipulation.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher commented on the controversy over cinema being classified as propaganda, asserting that it is the audience who ultimately decides what works. Speaking at the Delhi International Film Festival 2026, the actor asserted that the success of films like Dhurandhar: The Revenge reflects a real public choice, not manipulation.
“People are not stupid”
Speaking to the media, Kher rejected criticism about propaganda in cinema, saying: “I think we should ignore the people who are called cinema propaganda. We put too much energy into them. They are redundant and irrelevant.”Referring to the box office response to films like The Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, he told ANI: “Let us celebrate the success of The Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar. People are not stupid. People are not stupid.”
They won’t attend a home screening at 12 noon unless they really like the movie. People go to see movies because they enjoy them. I think we should say rest in peace to those who call it propaganda.
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“Cinema can make an impact, but it’s also a business.”
Reflecting on the larger role of cinema, Khair acknowledged its influence while emphasizing its commercial nature. “Can cinema change people? Yes, it can. It depends on the individuals sitting in the dark hall.
But cinema is also a business, like any other business.”He also noted that although storytelling remains important, viewers ultimately take away what resonates with them personally. “A lot of people run channels as a business, and they don’t do it just to tell a story,” he said. “But if I go to see a movie, I might get something out of it.”
celebrates Great Tanvi Silver Jubilee Run
The actor also spoke about his film Tanvi The Great, which has completed 25 weeks in theatres.
He described it as an important milestone, and said: “It is a silver jubilee. I thought we should show the film in limited theaters, and to re-release it and complete 25 weeks is a great achievement.”
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“Training is essential for today’s actors.”
Highlighting the importance of the craft, Khair stressed that formal training is crucial in today’s industry. “Today, there is no possibility of becoming an actor without training. I have lived 41 years in cinema and almost 52 years in professional theatre, with more than 550 films, only because I am a trained actor,” he said.He also praised OTT platforms for expanding opportunities for actors, technicians, writers and directors, noting that film festivals play a key role in exchanging ideas and celebrating cinema.
Pays tribute to Delhi Film Festival
Sharing his experience at the festival, Khair expressed his enthusiasm for the scale and vitality of the event. “I have toured the entire place. It is amazing. The ambiance is amazing. I am very happy that my film Tanvi The Great is also being screened here,” he said, adding that he believes the festival will get stronger in the coming years.Tanvi The Great also features an ensemble cast including Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, Nassar and Iain Glen.
