Anupam Kher backs Dhurandhar 2, dismisses propaganda claims: ‘People are not idiots’

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has weighed in on the ongoing debate around Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, firmly rejecting claims that the film is propaganda and instead backing the audience’s verdict.

‘Ignore those calling cinema propaganda’

Speaking at the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026, Kher urged people to not give importance to critics labelling films as propaganda. He said, “I think we should ignore people who are calling cinema propaganda. We are putting too much energy into them. They are redundant and irrelevant. Let’s celebrate the success of The Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar.”

‘People are not idiots’

Kher strongly defended the audience’s ability to judge content, emphasising that box office success reflects genuine public choice. He claimed, “People are not idiots. They are not going to attend a 12 o’clock show that is housefull unless they genuinely like the film. People go to watch films because they enjoy them. I think we should say rest in peace to those who are calling it propaganda.”

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“Can cinema change people? Yes, it can. It depends on the individuals sitting in the dark auditorium. But cinema is also a business, like any other. Many people run channels as a business; they don’t do it just to tell a story. But if I go to watch a film, I may take something away from it,” Kher added.

Ongoing debate around Dhurandhar 2

Despite its commercial success, _Dhurandhar 2_ has faced criticism from some quarters for its themes, with sections of viewers and critics calling it politically charged. Kher’s comments now add to a growing list of industry voices defending the film and pushing back against the “propaganda” label.