Emraan Hashmi recently made headlines, not just for his role in the successful film "The Ba***ds of Bollywood," but also for his bold defense of the movie "Dhurandhar," a film he openly admits he has yet to see. Hashmi is now preparing for his lead role in Netflix's upcoming series "Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web."
During an interview with India Today, while discussing his transition to OTT platforms, he was asked if he felt any sting from the impressive success of films like "Dhurandhar." Hashmi responded passionately, stating, "There is a crap mentality in our industry," suggesting that many people prefer to criticize films rather than celebrate their achievements. He emphasized that the success of any film should be a source of joy for everyone because it contributes positively to the industry and helps maintain financial viability.
He went on to commend the marketing strategy behind "Dhurandhar," highlighting the remarkable turnout of audiences for its lengthy runtime of nearly three-and-a-half hours, including screenings at midnight and early morning. Despite not having viewed the film himself, Hashmi referred to it as "a great film" and expressed admiration for its ambition in producing a two-part blockbuster that has succeeded at the box office. To him, the financial success of a film serves as the ultimate justification—if audiences are purchasing tickets, then who are the critics to raise concerns?
While this perspective may resonate within Bollywood’s longstanding belief that box office numbers can quiet dissent, "Dhurandhar" stands apart as one of the most divisive Indian films released in recent history, particularly in the context of political and cultural discussions.
Indeed, the film has broken records in India, earning the title of the highest-grossing Hindi film domestically and marking a significant milestone for actor Akshaye Khanna, akin to those achieved by Shah Rukh Khan. Furthermore, it has solidified Ranveer Singh’s status as a reliable box office draw. There is no denying its financial triumph.
However, the situation becomes more complex when examining the film's political and cultural implications. Since its debut, "Dhurandhar" has been scrutinized for its ideological stance, with numerous viewers and commentators asserting that it serves as thinly veiled propaganda masquerading as an action-packed espionage thriller. Its portrayal of regional politics, nationalism, and historical narratives has sparked discomfort among audiences in both Pakistan and India.
Hrithik Roshan, who has enjoyed success with similar patriotic-themed films like "Fighter," publicly distanced himself from the political messaging of "Dhurandhar," acknowledging that he might disagree with its content while still respecting the filmmaking craft. His cautious statement became noteworthy, marking a rare instance in an industry that typically refrains from openly critiquing the ideological foundations of a blockbuster.
On social media, the film has generated sharply divided opinions, igniting heated debates across platforms. Reports indicate that it faced potential bans in the Middle East due to its perceived "anti-Pakistan messaging," and the filmmakers had to mute the term "Baloch" following backlash from the Baloch community over allegations of hate speech.
While some audiences praise the film for being entertaining and unapologetic, others view it as a concerning example of how mainstream cinema simplifies intricate political realities into flashy spectacles.
This context makes Hashmi’s defense appear less like a strong advocacy for artistic expression and more like a typical reaction from Bollywood: if a film is profitable, it should go unquestioned. Additionally, it seems somewhat ironic to label criticism as stemming from a "crap mentality" while simultaneously admitting a lack of engagement with the very work under discussion. This stance subtly overlooks the core of the criticism, which centers not on the film's marketability or technical prowess, but rather on its narrative choices and the messages it conveys, omits, or emphasizes.
