Summary of "Reality of Dhurandhar Film | Dhruv Rathee"

Overview

Dhruv Rathee critiques the film Dhurandhar (directed by Aditya Dhar), arguing it operates as polished political propaganda disguised as fiction. Rathee contends the film mixes real events and footage (Pulwama, 26/11, named real gangsters and police officers) with invented plotlines to push a narrative that India’s governments and institutions were complicit or traitorous in major terror attacks.

The film repeatedly claims to be “inspired by real events” while inserting fictional conspiracies, increasing the risk that audiences accept fiction as fact.

Main criticisms

Fact/fiction blur
- The film uses real news footage and real names alongside fictional conspiracies (e.g., a secret Indian spy in Pakistan, an audio implicating a Prime Minister).
- Rathee argues this mixing makes it likely audiences will accept invented elements as historical truth.
Dangerous because it’s well-made
- Rathee invokes Suzanne Sontag and Leni Riefenstahl to argue that strong technical filmmaking makes propaganda far more effective and harmful.
Misrepresentation of real incidents
- The film distorts or invents details around real events (examples cited: portrayals related to Rehman Dakait and Chaudhry Aslam’s encounter; selective use of reporting on De La Rue banknote issues).
- Intelligence-input reports are used without context, obscuring how non-specific or inconclusive such inputs often are.
Unwarranted conspiracy implication
- The film implies governments deliberately allowed attacks (Pulwama, 26/11, Uri, IC-814). Rathee stresses that while intelligence failures and coordination lapses occurred under different administrations, alleging deliberate treachery requires extraordinary evidence that the film does not provide.
Implausible character behavior
- Intelligence officers in the film suspect their own government yet do nothing practical (do not leak, resign, or act). Rathee calls this unrealistic and narratively irresponsible.
Communal dog-whistling and “us vs them”
- The film, according to Rathee, uses subtle cues (language and scene framing) to stoke communal suspicion against Muslims and normalizes equating dissent or alternate loyalties with treason.
Glorification/stylization of criminals and violence
- The film glamorizes gangsters (making violent criminals appear “cool”) and stages graphic violence as spectacle, which Rathee argues desensitizes viewers.
Industry responsibility
- Rathee criticizes actors and filmmakers who participate in or promote such films without regard for social responsibility, accusing some of being part of a “godi ecosystem” that flatters ruling power.

Context and evidence cited

Rathee references media reports and think-tank findings (e.g., RUSI) showing intelligence inputs existed before several past attacks but were often non-specific or hampered by coordination and logistical issues.
He emphasizes intelligence lapses occurred under multiple governments, so jumping to intentional complicity is not supported by the available evidence.
Real-world responses are cited to counter the film’s portrayal of India’s international posture and competence (example: Devendra Fadnavis and Sanjay Goelkar in the 26/11 capture of Ajmal Kasab).

Conclusion and call to action

Rathee warns Aditya Dhar to stop making films that, in his view, peddle false political narratives; otherwise Dhar’s legacy may resemble that of filmmakers who produced successful but harmful propaganda.
He urges filmmakers and actors to accept social responsibility and avoid normalizing communal hatred or gratuitous violence.

Other items

Rathee briefly promotes his upcoming AI Masterclass and points viewers to further videos where he expands on the film’s violence and societal impact.
He lists alternative patriotic films he considers better representations:
- Border
- Raazi
- Sarfarosh
- Neerja
- Chak De India

Presenters / Contributors mentioned

Presenter: Dhruv Rathee
Film director discussed: Aditya Dhar
Actor/commenter: Hrithik Roshan
Historical/critical figures cited: Leni Riefenstahl, Suzanne Sontag
Public figures and officers referenced: Dr. Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi, Ajit Doval, Chaudhry Aslam, Rehman Dakait, Ajmal Kasab, Devendra Fadnavis, Sanjay Goelkar
Other actors named: Ranveer Singh, Akshay Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan