Political row intensifies over ‘Dhurandhar 2’ as Opposition alleges bias, BJP defends film

A political controversy has erupted over the film ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’, with several Opposition leaders alleging that it promotes hatred and targets the Muslim community, while leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have defended it as a depiction of “reality”.

Abu Azmi of the Samajwadi Party strongly criticised the film, claiming it was designed to malign Muslims. He questioned why such a film was being shown in India and objected to the alleged portrayal of slain mafia don Atiq Ahmed as having links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

“There can be no such connection. Every community has both good and bad individuals, but such portrayals only create hatred,” Azmi said.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) spokesperson Waris Pathan called for a ban on what he termed “propaganda films”, alleging that such movies misrepresent Muslims and spread misinformation.

Senior Indian National Congress leader Hussain Dalwai questioned the funding of the film, suggesting it should be investigated. Another Congress MP, Imran Masood, described the film as “nonsense” and criticised what he called the glorification of the 2016 demonetisation.

Awadhesh Prasad accused the BJP of attempting to divert public attention from key issues such as unemployment. “The country needs jobs, not such narratives,” he alleged.

However, BJP leaders rejected the allegations. Arun Sao said the Congress opposes issues based on political considerations and fails to respect public sentiment.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S. P. Vaid also backed the film, stating that it reflects reality. “There is no controversy as what has been shown is the truth,” he said.