Political Usage of 'Dhurandhar' Film Escalates in India

The recent release of the Bollywood film 'Dhurandhar' has sparked a significant political phenomenon across India, influencing election narratives from Kerala to Uttar Pradesh. Directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh, the film broke box office records upon its initial release in December 2025, with its sequel, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', further igniting political dialogues since its premiere on March 19, 2026.

As the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections approach, particularly in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, various political factions have begun utilising imagery and slogans from 'Dhurandhar' in their campaigns. Recently, posters referencing the film appeared in Lucknow and Amethi, specifically targeting opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party. The posters ask, "Aap ko kya chahiye? Akhilesh ka Lyari raj," insinuating that a vote for Yadav would lead to lawlessness, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) branding its chief minister Yogi Adityanath as the “Dhurandhar CM”. The term ‘dhurandhar’ translates to ‘stalwart’ in English.

The banners, strategically placed in multiple locations, have been attributed to a group calling itself ‘Youth Against Mafia’, which has included the names and photos of its members on the posters. In response, Rajesh Mishra, a spokesperson for the Samajwadi Party, described this tactic as showcasing the BJP's "frustration and desperation" ahead of the elections. He claimed that voters are increasingly aware of such misleading attempts by the BJP.

Local law enforcement has confirmed receipt of information regarding the posters, stating that investigative teams have been dispatched to assess the situation.

Moreover, at a recent gathering in Thiruvalla, Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced 'Dhurandhar' within a broader critique of the opposition, accusing the Congress party and Left Democratic Front (LDF) of habitual dishonesty. He stated, "Congress, UDF, LDF have developed a habit of lying about everything,” and contrasted this with the controversies surrounding recent films, suggesting they were met with deceitful narratives from the opposition.

In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked on the film’s success, suggesting that high viewer turnout correlates with potential BJP support. He stated, "Just look at how many people are going to watch it… They are going to vote for the BJP. It is good for us." This comment reflects an acknowledgment among critics that 'Dhurandhar' has been used as a vehicle to promote pro-BJP sentiment.

Conversely, Congress Member of Parliament Tariq Anwar sharply critiqued the film, suggesting it serves as propaganda to instigate division based on community identities. He argued that the creators of 'Dhurandhar' have taken a mandate to spread hate and that the violent imagery within the film serves to advance an agenda aligned with the BJP's ideologies.

Adding complexity to the political discourse surrounding the film, Raghav Chadha, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), controversially invoked dialogue from 'Dhurandhar' in a video addressing internal allegations from within his party. He stated, "There is a scripted campaign against me... I am wounded, therefore I am dangerous"—a line directly taken from the film

The film's plot centres around Hamza Ali Mazari, an intelligence agent who infiltrates Karachi’s Lyari district to disrupt a terrorism network. Critics have pointed out that the film selectively highlights certain events, drawing inspiration from real-life incidents while remaining politically charged. These events include the infamous 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, both associated with periods of BJP rule.

Aditya Dhar, the film's director, has publicly contested the notion that 'Dhurandhar' is mere propaganda. He maintained that the film's impact is not a crucial strategy for the BJP, suggesting that the government’s efforts, such as the construction of the Ram Mandir, speak for themselves in securing electoral favour.

In conclusion, the intertwining of cinema and politics has manifested in a multifaceted dialogue in India, with parties from across the spectrum leveraging 'Dhurandhar' to further their agendas as looming elections approach.