Political propaganda to provoke voters: Global critics slam Dhurandhar 2

Entertainment: The sequel Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, hit cinemas on March 19, 2026, following the commercial success of its first instalment. Like its predecessor, the film has opened to sharply polarised responses, with domestic audiences and some critics praising its patriotic tone, large-scale production, performances and action-driven narrative, writes Outlook.

However, sections of international media have criticised the film’s tone and content, particularly its graphic depiction of violence and perceived political messaging. The story centres on the rise of Hamza Ali Mazari, played by Singh, tracing his journey in Lyari and within Pakistan’s ISI, as he takes on terror groups accused of orchestrating attacks in India.

Several critics have argued that the film leans heavily into brutality at the cost of nuance. Writing for The New York Times, critic Nicolas Rapold suggested that the sequel amplifies concerns raised about the original, particularly in how it portrays violence tied to national and religious identities, making it reflective of a tense contemporary climate rather than an escapist experience.

Other reviewers echoed similar concerns about excess. Sarah Manvel of Movies We Texted About described the film as overwhelmingly violent, arguing that its relentless intensity leaves little room for audience enjoyment. She also criticised certain sequences as insensitive, noting that attempts at humour fall flat against the backdrop of extreme brutality.

Siddhant Adlakha, reviewing for IGN, said the sequel expands in scale but sacrifices emotional depth, prioritising overt political messaging over storytelling. He further suggested that the film lacks artistic subtlety and human drama. He implied that the movie was nothing less than naked political propaganda intended to provoke voters.

“Perhaps the filmmakers could have had the decency to release a completed film, but decency is hardly on the table when the main purpose of Dhurandhar: The Revenge appears to be stoking a volatile voter block,” he wrote.

Reflecting this divide, the film holds a 38 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring the gap between audience enthusiasm and critical reception.