Amid the ongoing debate around Aditya Dhar‘s Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge starring Ranveer Singh being labelled a “propaganda film,” actor Naveen Kaushik has weighed in, offering a layered take on the controversy and urging audiences to look beyond surface-level reactions.
‘Life ka har aspect politics se connected hota hai’
Reacting to the discourse sparked by Dhruv Rathee, Naveen told Hindi Rush, “Mera maanna hai life ka har aspect politics se connected hota hai. Chahe wo national politics ho ya interpersonal politics ho. Do logon ki relationship ke andar bhi kahin na kahin politics hoti hai.” (I believe every aspect of life is connected to politics — whether it’s national politics or interpersonal dynamics. Even in relationships, there is always some level of politics.)He added, “Politics chhoti-moti bhi hoti hai… koi bhi film jo achhi banegi, usme kahin na kahin ek politics ya ideology dikhegi.” (Politics exists in subtle ways too… any good film will reflect some form of politics or ideology.)
‘Yeh film ek baar dekh ke samajh nahi aayegi’
Speaking about the film’s layered storytelling, he said, “Yeh aisi film nahi hai jisko ek baar dekh ke samajh jaoge. Isko baar-baar dekhna padega… characters aisa kyun kar rahe hain, woh samajhna padega.” (This is not a film you can understand in one viewing. You need to watch it multiple times to understand why characters behave the way they do.)He explained how the film avoids obvious characterisation, “Yahan pe blatant characters nahi milenge… villain aake nahi bolega ‘main tera khoon kar dunga’. Woh haste hue, gaane pe naachte hue bhi aa sakta hai.” (You won’t find blatant characters here… the villain won’t just come and declare his intentions. He could be smiling or even dancing while doing something wrong.)Adding further, 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 look charming on the surface, but the character could be doing something deeply problematic underneath.)
‘Hero bhi seedha-saadha nahi hai’
Talking about the protagonist, Naveen noted, “Hero yahan aisa nahi hai ki kuch bhi ho jaaye, sab theek kar dega. Woh ek ladki se romance bhi kar raha hai aur uske father ke saath conspiracy 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 using someone — the film keeps that ambiguity alive.)He added, “Art film mein aapko nuances pakadne padte hain… is film mein bhi wahi karna padega.” (In art-driven cinema, you need to pick up nuances — and this film demands that from the audience.)
‘Kaunsi film hai jisme politics nahi hai?’
Addressing criticism from reviewers like Anupama Chopra, he said, “Aap bata do kaunsi film hai jisme politics nahi hai… Hollywood ho, European ho, Bollywood ho ya South films — sab mein kahin na kahin ideology hoti hai.” (Tell me one film that has no politics… whether it’s Hollywood, European, Bollywood, or South cinema — every film 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.)
‘Film ko ek-do baar dekhna chahiye tha’
Echoing R Madhavan’s remark, Naveen said, “First hone ki hod mein logon ne film dekhe bina hi declare kar diya ki kharab hai… pehle dekh toh lo.” (In the rush to be the first to react, people judged the film without properly watching it.)He also highlighted audience response, “Pakistan se messages aa rahe hain, Dubai se aa rahe hain… log keh rahe hain film achhi lagi, jabki unhe Hindi bhi nahi aati.” (I’ve received messages from places like Pakistan and Dubai — people who don’t even understand Hindi are appreciating the film.)
‘Film ko hate ka source mat banao’
Concluding, Naveen emphasised responsible viewing. “Sabke paas freedom of expression hai… aap bol sakte ho, main debate kar sakta hoon. Lekin film ko hate ka source mat banao, violence ka instigator mat banao.” (Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but a film should not become a source of hate or violence.)He added, “Film hai, film ke flow mein dekhiye. Agar kuch seekhne ko milta hai toh le jaiye… bas usko enjoy kijiye.” (It’s a film — experience it as one. Take what you learn from it, and simply enjoy it.)
