Mumin Chen, the representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India, has formally lauded the Indian action thriller Dhurandhar, identifying it as the most impressive film he viewed in the last year. Chen shared his appreciation for the project during the Taiwan Film Festival, which is currently being held in New Delhi to showcase Taiwanese cinema, culture, and technological achievements to an Indian audience.
Addressing attendees at the festival, Chen explained that his professional background significantly influences his choice of entertainment. As a professor of political science who currently serves as an ambassador, he frequently gravitates toward cinema that mirrors real-world geopolitical complexities. For Chen, Dhurandhar stood out due to its thematic focus on political narratives, which resonated with his scholarly interests.
The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, centers on the character Jaskirat Singh Rangi, also referred to as Hamza Ali Mazari, who is an Indian spy assigned to infiltrate a terror unit located in Lyari, Pakistan. The plot follows the protagonist as he integrates into local society by marrying the daughter of a prominent politician to facilitate his mission. The film series has seen considerable financial success; the first installment, released on December 5, 2025, grossed an impressive Rs 1,307 crore worldwide, while its successor, Dhurandhar 2, which debuted on March 19, 2026, accumulated Rs 1,790 crore.
Beyond his praise for the spy thriller, the envoy took the opportunity to discuss his admiration for prominent figures in the Indian film industry. Chen specifically singled out actor and producer Aamir Khan as being a particularly impressive figure. He noted that he has been a follower of Khan’s career since the actor's early days, observing that he holds deep respect for the producer's commitment to highlighting critical societal issues. According to Chen, the focus on Indian society within Khan's filmography is a significant contribution to the medium.
The Taiwanese diplomat also extended his appreciation to other major Indian cinema icons, explicitly naming Shah Rukh Khan as a performer he admires. His remarks served as a bridge between the ongoing cultural exchange at the film festival and the broader influence of Indian cinema on international viewers, including those within the diplomatic community.
The Taiwan Film Festival in New Delhi continues to provide a platform for a diverse array of documentaries and dramas. By integrating these discussions on Indian cinema with the screening of Taiwanese works, the event aims to deepen the cultural ties between the two nations. The presence and comments of representatives like Mumin Chen underscore the growing interest in how Indian storytelling, particularly narratives involving political or social conflict, reaches a global audience.
As the festival progresses, organizers continue to emphasize the importance of using cinema as a lens to understand different societal frameworks. The recognition of high-grossing films like Dhurandhar by such public figures highlights the film's reach not just as a commercial success, but as a narrative that leaves a lasting impression on viewers from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
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