The Aditya Dhar-directed duology, "Dhurandhar" and its sequel, "Dhurandhar The Revenge," released in late 2025 and early 2026, continues to generate significant industry discussion. These films have become a focal point of debate, particularly regarding accusations of being propaganda. Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently entered the conversation, strongly defending the projects and criticizing those who label them as such. His stance was openly appreciated by director Aditya Dhar.

“Truth started getting labelled as propaganda”: Sandeep Reddy Vanga DEFENDS Dhurandhar duology; Aditya Dhar REACTS!

What Happened?

The debate surrounding "Dhurandhar" intensified after Sandeep Reddy Vanga attended a special screening of "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" in Hyderabad. He was joined by Prabhas, the star of Vanga's upcoming film, "Spirit." Following the event, Vanga used social media platform X to express strong opinions. He directly addressed the propaganda accusations, refocusing attention on the duology's narrative and its portrayal of intelligence operations.

In a powerful X post, Vanga challenged critics directly. He wrote, "Writers & actors built careers on propaganda, and the industry stayed quiet like cats. Now the same clan mock Dhurandhar. You don’t get to call yourself liberal if your first instinct is to Mock. Don’t know when truth started getting labeled as propaganda...... strange times." He also sent a strong message to @AdityaDharFilms and @RanveerOfficial, stating, "yeh kaala drishti aise nahi jaayega... poora khet jalana padega." Vanga’s comments underlined his view of industry hypocrisy.

Director Aditya Dhar quickly responded to Vanga's public support. He shared a note expressing genuine gratitude and admiration for Vanga’s conviction. Dhar wrote, "Mere Pyaare Sandeep, I genuinely love the way you stand your ground and give it back when it matters. There’s a real honesty and belief in that and it’s something I truly respect. I’ve always looked up to how you back your cinema without any doubt or noise." This public exchange highlighted strong defenders of the "Dhurandhar" duology within the industry.

Key Highlights

The "Dhurandhar" duology, released in late 2025 and early 2026, remains a central topic in film discussions.
Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently defended the films against propaganda accusations.
Vanga attended a screening of "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" in Hyderabad, with actor Prabhas also present.
He posted on X, criticizing those who label the films as propaganda and highlighting perceived industry hypocrisy.
Vanga questioned when "truth started getting labeled as propaganda," calling it a strange trend.
Director Aditya Dhar publicly thanked Vanga for his staunch support and conviction.
The duology has sparked wider conversations about realistic espionage portrayal in Hindi cinema.

Why Does This Matter?

The ongoing debate around "Dhurandhar" highlights a key tension in cinema: the line between artistic expression, factual representation, and perceived political messaging. Labeling a film "propaganda" often dismisses its merits and stifles diverse storytelling. Vanga's defense underscores the importance of filmmakers presenting their perspectives, even if they challenge existing narratives. This prompts a re-evaluation of how audiences and critics define "truth" and "propaganda" in cinema, influencing future filmmaking and audience expectations.

This discussion also brings focus to the evolving landscape of Indian espionage cinema. Many viewers have contrasted "Dhurandhar's" grounded approach with more stylized narratives in other spy universes. The duology has been praised for its focus on the personal costs and challenges faced by spies, moving beyond pure spectacle. This debate is vital as it encourages different forms of storytelling, pushing boundaries for spy thrillers and enriching the cinematic experience.