A viral controversy has erupted surrounding The Kashmir Files director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, following a leaked screenshot that allegedly showed him “liking” a critical post by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. The post in question labeled Aditya Dhar’s latest blockbuster, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, as a “propaganda film,” sparking intense debate on social media on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
The “Like” Mystery: Fact or Glitch?
- The Allegation: A screenshot circulated on X (formerly Twitter) showing Agnihotri’s official handle among the “likes” on Dhruv Rathee’s video titled “₹500 for a Propaganda Film or ₹500 for your Future?” * The Disappearance: Upon cross-verification by fact-checkers and fans, the “like” was no longer visible on the post. This has led to two theories: either the screenshot was digitally altered (morphed), or the filmmaker briefly liked the post before quickly “unliking” it.
- Public Backlash: Despite the lack of current evidence, the screenshot went viral on Reddit and X, with some users accusing Agnihotri of being “jealous” of the sequel’s unprecedented ₹500 crore success.
Contradicting Evidence
The “propaganda” claim stands in stark contrast to Agnihotri’s previous public stance on the franchise.
- Praise for Part 1: In 2025, Agnihotri had highly praised the first Dhurandhar film, stating it “blew his mind” and that he felt “proud” of Aditya Dhar’s vision.
- Silence on Sequel: As of now, Vivek Agnihotri has not issued an official statement regarding the “like” or his thoughts on the sequel, leaving fans divided on whether his stance has shifted.
The “Propaganda” Debate
The controversy mirrors the recent comments by veteran actor Anupam Kher, who slammed those calling the film propaganda, urging them to “pity” the critics. While Dhurandhar 2 continues to break records, its intense geopolitical narrative—set against the backdrop of Karachi’s Lyari—has become a flashpoint for digital discourse on patriotism versus cinema.