Javed Akhtar defends Dhurandhar over propaganda claims

The legendary lyricist asked what was wrong with propaganda films and defended films that propagate ideas.

A section of the audience has claimed that Dhurandhar is a propaganda film. However, legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar has now reacted to the same. He defended the Aditya Dhar-directed film and said that everyone has a right to tell their story.

Javed Akhtar defends ‘propaganda’ films.

Hindi film industry’s writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has taken offence to the term’ propaganda films.’ He said all films have the right to propagate ideas, while praising Dhurandhar, the film that has battled the tag of a propaganda film ever since its release. On Sunday, while attending an award function in Kolkata, the veteran writer interacted with the media, during which he was asked for his opinion on ‘propaganda films like Dhurandhar’. Using his trademark sharp wit, Javed Akhtar responded, “I don’t know what you mean by propaganda films. I loved Dhurandhar, which was an excellent film. I loved the first one more than the second one.”

What more did Javed Akhtar say on the topic?

Javed Akhtar further said that one cannot label a film propaganda just because it does not suit a section of the audience. He added, “Every story takes some stand, but does it become propaganda because the narrative isn’t suited to a section of the audience? Everyone has the right to propagate their ideas. What is wrong with propaganda films? The task of every filmmaker is to present the truth. Even if the narrative of a movie is built on a fairy tale, it will have some ideology in a way.” The writer-lyricist was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the P C Chandra Puraskar, which recognises exceptional achievement across diverse fields.

Though Dhurandhar and its sequel both emerged as blockbuster hits at the box office, breaking almost all records worldwide. However, many complained that they seemed to glorify the BJP administration while downplaying the achievements of previous governments.