Sanyal Defends Dhurandhar Against ‘Propaganda’ Label

Economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, has responded to accusations that the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar functions as propaganda cinema. Sanyal argued that filmmakers deserve the liberty to present their perspectives, while viewers retain the choice of whether to engage with them.

Sanyal Praises the Dhurandhar Franchise

Sanyal revealed he watched both Dhurandhar films after receiving strong recommendations, and came away impressed despite being unfamiliar with several cast members beforehand. He said the franchise actually introduced him to actors he hadn’t previously recognized. On the broader debate over ideologically driven films, Sanyal said he applies the same logic once used against cinema he personally disagreed with: if the politics don’t appeal to you, simply skip the film. He extended this reasoning to his own upcoming project, saying audiences should feel equally free to opt out of watching it.

The Revolutionaries Set for a September Premiere

Sanyal’s own venture, The Revolutionaries, adapts his book of the same name into a Prime Video series premiering September 11. He explained that a series format suits the subject better than a single film, since his work centers on the interconnected armed revolutionary movement rather than isolated freedom fighters. Figures like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Subhas Chandra Bose are typically portrayed as standalone heroes, he noted, which can obscure the shared ideological threads linking their efforts across decades.

Sanyal clarified that the series doesn’t claim to cover India’s entire independence movement, focusing instead on one specific revolutionary stream, with potential for further seasons depending on audience reception.

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