Self claimed critic Dhruv Rathee has ignited a massive social media debate after releasing a scathing critique of Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller, Dhurandhar. In a video titled ‘Reality of Dhurandhar’ posted on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Rathee labeled the film “dangerous propaganda” and “jhootha” (false), accusing the makers of blurring the lines between fiction and history to suit a specific political narrative.
“Well-Made Propaganda is More Dangerous”
Rathee’s primary argument hinges on the film’s cinematic excellence. Unlike previous controversial films which he dismissed as “poorly made,” Rathee admitted that Dhurandhar is an engaging, high-quality production.
The Comparison: “Films like The Taj Story were not dangerous because they were bad films. But Dhurandhar is an engaging film. Well-made propaganda is more dangerous because it feels like the truth,” Rathee stated in the video.
The Reality Trap: He criticized the film for using real 26/11 audio recordings and footage, arguing that these elements trick the audience into believing the entire fictionalized plot—involving Indian spies dismantling gangs in Pakistan’s Lyari—is historical fact.
Fact-Check vs. Fiction
In his 20-minute breakdown, Rathee challenged several plot points that the film claims are “inspired by real events”:
- Geopolitical Accuracy: He argued that the film simplifies complex intelligence operations into a “vigilante fantasy.”
- Casting of Villains: Rathee claimed the film reinforces harmful stereotypes by linking specific real-life figures to exaggerated fictional terror plots.
- The Pathaan Comparison: He noted that while movies like Pathaan or Tiger are clearly “larger-than-life fantasies,” Dhurandhar’s gritty, realistic tone makes it a potent tool for misinformation.
The Industry Response
While director Aditya Dhar has yet to respond directly to Rathee’s “destruction” of his film, the industry remains divided.
| Supporters | The Critics’ View |
| Sandeep Reddy Vanga: Reviewed it as a film “built like a man,” praising its grit. | Dhruv Rathee: Calls it “vahiyat” (disgusting) propaganda. |
| Vicky Kaushal: Hailed Dhar’s vision as a milestone for Indian action cinema. | Social Media: A polarized “Boycott vs. Support” war is currently trending on X. |
| Allu Arjun: Lauded Akshaye Khanna’s “charismatic aura” and the film’s intensity. | Human Rights Groups: Raising concerns over the “demonization” of specific regions. |
Box Office Juggernaut
Despite the controversy—or perhaps fueled by it—Dhurandhar shows no signs of slowing down.
- Global Collection: ₹812 crore (gross) in 16 days.
- Domestic Record: It has already surpassed the lifetime collections of several major 2024 blockbusters, becoming Ranveer Singh’s highest-grossing film to date.