Mumbai: Filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s latest spy action thriller Dhurandhar continues to dominate conversations across the country, both for its massive box office success and the sharp debate it has sparked. While the film has drawn praise from audiences and several Bollywood celebrities, it has also faced criticism from a section of viewers and commentators who have labelled it a “propaganda film”. Amid this divided response, actor Nikitin Dheer has stepped forward to strongly support Dhurandhar, praising its craft, intent and impact.
Nikitin Dheer publicly backs the film
On Sunday, Nikitin Dheer took to Instagram to share a video review of Dhurandhar, making his position clear at a time when the film is being intensely debated. The actor, known for his roles in films such as Jodhaa Akbar, Chennai Express and Ready, said he was deeply impressed by the film and felt compelled to speak out after watching it.
In the video, Nikitin praised multiple aspects of the movie, including its cinematography, background score and what he described as “outstanding performances” by the cast. He also lauded Aditya Dhar’s direction, calling the film technically strong and emotionally engaging. According to him, Dhurandhar succeeds not only as a cinematic experience but also as a film that evokes strong emotions in viewers.
“Narratives failed once the film worked”
One of Nikitin Dheer’s strongest points was his reference to what he called a “strange narrative” that surrounded Dhurandhar even before its theatrical release. He claimed that the film was declared a flop by certain voices prior to audiences getting a chance to see it.
“Dhurandhar has united the audience because, before its release, there was a strange narrative declaring it a flop even before it hit theatres,” Nikitin said in the video. “The people who pushed that narrative disappeared once the film started working.”
He went on to say that the film’s box office performance was proof that audiences had rejected preconceived opinions and responded to the content on screen. Nikitin added that films like Dhurandhar should be made more often, as they make viewers feel proud and, at times, even provoke anger.
Emphasis on history, geopolitics and emotion
Addressing the criticism that the film is propaganda-driven, Nikitin argued that Dhurandhar draws from India’s geopolitical past and reflects realities that are often ignored or softened in mainstream storytelling.
“If you read India’s geopolitical past, you will realise how accurate and important this film is,” he said. According to him, cinema should not shy away from uncomfortable truths or strong national emotions. He expressed hope that Dhurandhar would break further records, suggesting that it could reach anywhere between ₹500 crore and ₹800 crore at the box office.
In the caption accompanying his Instagram post, Nikitin wrote that people often hate what they cannot control. He said the film had “demolished every hurdle in its path”, destroyed what he called false narratives and proved that Bollywood was “alive and thriving”.
Support for filmmakers and the armed forces
Nikitin Dheer’s post went beyond just praising the film. He also extended support to filmmakers who attempt ambitious and politically charged subjects. He applauded the technicians and actors associated with Dhurandhar and said the film made him proud to be part of the Hindi film industry.
He further wrote that audiences should not be misled by what he termed “pseudo-intellectuals” and their “flowery words”. Emphasising unity and patriotism, Nikitin added that the real heroes were India’s soldiers, who dedicate their lives to the nation.
Aditya Dhar responds with gratitude
Filmmaker Aditya Dhar responded to Nikitin Dheer’s post with appreciation. Commenting on the actor’s Instagram video, Dhar wrote, “Such a well-put thought! Thank you so much, Nikitin sir. Lots of love!” The exchange was widely shared on social media, adding to the ongoing buzz around the film.
About Dhurandhar and its box office run
Dhurandhar is a spy action thriller inspired by real-life incidents. The film stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, supported by a powerful ensemble cast that includes Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R. Madhavan. The story follows an intelligence operative who infiltrates the Lyari gang led by Rehman Dakait to expose their alleged links with Pakistan’s ISI while dismantling a vast criminal network.
Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its scale and performances while others questioned its ideological tone. However, strong word of mouth among audiences has translated into impressive box office numbers. Within just ten days of release, Dhurandhar has reportedly collected around ₹530 crore worldwide, firmly establishing itself as one of the biggest commercial successes of the year.
Conclusion
As Dhurandhar continues its strong theatrical run, the debate around its themes shows no sign of slowing down. Nikitin Dheer’s public endorsement has added a prominent voice to the film’s defence, highlighting how sharply divided opinions can coexist alongside box office success. Whether viewed as a gripping spy thriller or a politically charged narrative, Dhurandhar has undeniably struck a chord with audiences and reaffirmed the power of cinema to spark conversation across the country.