Anupam Kher Celebrates Success of ‘Dhurandhar’ and Defends Director

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has publicly praised director Aditya Dhar for the remarkable success of his film Dhurandhar, which has garnered significant acclaim since its release on December 5, 2023. Kher shared his thoughts in a heartfelt video, emphasizing that the film’s achievements serve as a rebuttal to those who have labeled it as mere propaganda.

Kher’s Celebration of ‘Dhurandhar’

In his video message, Kher expressed immense pride in Dhurandhar‘s impact on audiences, stating that its performance was a “slap” to critics who dismissed it as propaganda. He commended Dhar for creating the film with “sheer conviction” and without adhering to conventional formulas. The film features a talented cast, including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal, contributing to its broad appeal.

Kher noted that, despite not being involved in the film, he felt a deep sense of peace and satisfaction from its success. “I don’t have a role in this film. I am not connected to anything. But I don’t know why, with the success of this film, my heart is very peaceful,” he remarked. This expression of personal connection to the film’s triumph highlights the emotional resonance Dhurandhar has achieved.

Defending Against Allegations

As part of his defense of the film and its creator, Kher drew parallels to his own experiences with allegations of propaganda, specifically referencing his film The Accidental Prime Minister. He stated, “There was a clique of people who were behind proving propaganda to the film. This is the same clique who tried to prove propaganda in my film.” His comments underline a broader concern within the film industry regarding the impact of public perception on artistic expression.

Kher’s enthusiasm for Dhurandhar was evident as he declared, “I am so proud and happy about the success of the film, and about the film shutting down so many people’s thought processes.” He urged Dhar, saying, “What an amazing journey you had. And in fact, this year belongs to you, my friend.”

In response to Kher’s commendations, Dhar expressed his gratitude through social media, stating, “Wow. This truly means so much, sir. Such pure emotion and generosity in your words.” He acknowledged the importance of connecting with audiences, reflecting on the line, “Don’t make us feel small, that is what the audience is saying,” which he believes resonates deeply in contemporary cinema.

Since its release, Dhurandhar has achieved remarkable box office success, entering the global ₹1,000 crore club within just 21 days, a testament to its widespread appeal. As the film continues to perform well, its impact on both audiences and the film industry remains significant.