Actor Naveen Kaushik Responds to Criticism of 'Dhurandhar' Film

The Indian film 'Dhurandhar' is currently experiencing significant success at the box office, with projections indicating it will surpass the ₹900 crore mark globally. While the film has garnered substantial acclaim, some critics have labelled it a 'propaganda movie'. Recently, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee released a video alleging that the film promotes a dangerous narrative.

Naveen Kaushik, who portrays Donga in the film, responded to Rathee's comments during an interview with SCREEN. He accused Rathee of exploiting the film's popularity for his own gain, stating, "He is an opinionated person. I am associated with the film; I don’t agree with him, obviously. He got some views because of us; congratulations."

This criticism from Rathee is part of a larger dialogue regarding the film's portrayal of real events. In his video, Rathee claimed that 'Dhurandhar' is rooted in falsehoods and features excessive violence. Following the backlash to his video, Rathee has disabled comments on the post.

In response to the controversy, Devoleena Bhattacharjee, another public figure, expressed her disapproval of Rathee's remarks on social media, urging him to stop discussing the film.

'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar, was released in cinemas on December 5, 2025, and has earned over ₹589 crore in India alone. The film features a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun, among others. A sequel is already in the works, set for release on March 19, 2026.

The film's success comes amidst the ongoing debate about its themes and messages. Aditya Dhar, the director, has made indirect references to Rathee's criticisms through social media, highlighting the organic success of the film and its relevance to contemporary Indian cinema. In a post that resonated with many, Dhar said, "History is being rewritten in Indian cinema. By men & women who have fire in their hearts & love for their country. They wanted to tell a story to their country people."

Despite the criticisms, 'Dhurandhar' continues to perform well at the box office and has become a notable contender among some of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The film’s blend of real historical references and fictional storytelling has sparked discussions about its impact and implications in the current socio-political climate in India.