What Javed Akhtar said about propaganda films after admitting love for Dhurandhar 2

Javed Akhtar said films should be free to promote ideas, as he addressed criticism around Dhurandhar. His remarks added to the wider debate over whether popular narratives are being branded propaganda.

In Short

• Javed Akhtar defends creative freedom amid propaganda film claims
• He favours Dhurandhar first film over the second
• Akhtar questions negative labelling of films as propaganda

Lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar on Sunday said everyone has the right to promote their ideas in creative works, as he responded to questions about some recent films, including Dhurandhar, being labelled propaganda movies.

According to PTI, Akhtar made the remarks after receiving a special award from a city-based jewellery brand for his achievements in films. When asked about Dhurandhar, he said he liked the first film more than the second.

Akhtar said, "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."

He was asked about recent films that have been described as a toolkit to influence a certain audience. Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge have faced criticism from some quarters over claims that they promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his governance.

Responding to the wider debate around such films, Akhtar said, "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?"

About the Dhurandhar franchise

Headlined by Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar is a two-part spy espionage thriller based on several real events. The films also star Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles.

Both parts went on to become the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time. Dhurandhar Part One was released in cinemas on December 5, 2025, and earned Rs 1,307 crore worldwide.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge released on March 19, 2026, and despite mixed reviews, grossed Rs 1,788 crore worldwide, becoming the second-biggest Indian film behind Dangal (2018) and ahead of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion and Pushpa 2: The Rule.

Dhurandhar set to storm Japan

Last week, the Japanese release of Dhurandhar was confirmed, and international posters were shared on social media. The Japanese version of the film is set to release in cinemas on July 10.

- Ends