Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has weighed in on the commercially successful 'Dhurandhar' film franchise, directed by Aditya Dhar. The two-part series, featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead, was released between December 2025 and March 2026. While the franchise has achieved significant success at the global box office, accumulating more than Rs 3,100 crore, it has also sparked extensive debate regarding its narrative choices and political subtext.
In a discussion shared on his official YouTube channel, Tharoor evaluated the films through the dual lenses of cinematic artistry and political discourse. He noted that while the second instalment offered a “superb” experience as a work of entertainment, the franchise as a whole incorporates clear elements of political messaging. Tharoor acknowledged that these themes have led to the films being banned in various nations, including Pakistan and several Gulf countries, due to concerns that the content might incite friction between India and Pakistan.
Reflecting on the potential impact of the films, Tharoor suggested that viewers in Pakistan might experience mixed reactions. He posited that while some elements of the script might be met with laughter, other segments could potentially prompt reflection among Pakistani audiences regarding the actions taken in the name of their country. He noted that the films are inherently impactful for any viewer with an active imagination, owing to their vivid production design and direction.
However, Tharoor expressed strong reservations regarding the visual presentation of the narrative. He criticised the graphic violence showcased throughout the series, labelling it “totally excessive and over the top.” According to the MP, there was little justification for the inclusion of scenes depicting intense mayhem and cruelty, which he described as some of the most disturbing imagery currently found in Indian cinema.
As the plot of the 'Dhurandhar' films centres on the activities of an undercover intelligence operative, Tharoor provided insight into how the depiction compares to his own career. He clarified that his professional interactions with intelligence personnel have always been conducted through civilised exchanges, analysis, and information sharing, rather than the “cloak and dagger” operations shown on screen. He added that he was not familiar with command structures that result in explosions in distant capitals, noting that the cinematic portrayal diverges significantly from reality.
The veteran politician also touched upon the character portrayed by R Madhavan, which is understood to be loosely based on the role of the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. Tharoor questioned the realism of maintaining a singular, high-level bureaucratic position from the late 1990s through the present day. While he acknowledged that such continuity is unlikely in actual administrative practice, he conceded that it serves the narrative needs of the filmmakers to maintain character consistency across the franchise.
Despite his criticisms regarding the political framing and the level of violence, Tharoor offered significant praise for the technical prowess on display. He lauded the “competent acting,” the quality of the sets, and the overall execution of the project. Concluding his assessment, the Congress leader remarked that the eight-hour viewing experience of the two films felt like a “major cinematic experience,” even as he remained critical of the underlying propaganda elements.
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