8 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal has praised Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar, saying he “really loved” the film and its sequel while defending the freedom of filmmakers to present different political viewpoints.
Sanyal said audiences should be free to decide for themselves whether they like a film, rather than demanding that certain viewpoints be excluded from cinema.
Sanyal Says He ‘Really Loved’ Both Films
Speaking about the Dhurandhar franchise, Sanyal revealed that he had watched both films after hearing positive feedback from people around him.
He said he “really loved” the two films and also admitted that he was not familiar with many of the actors in the cast before watching them.
‘If You Don’t Like It, Don’t Watch It’
Sanyal also weighed in on criticism that films presenting nationalist or politically charged narratives can sometimes be labelled as propaganda.
He argued that cinema should allow different viewpoints to coexist. According to Sanyal, the same principle should apply whether a film represents a viewpoint he agrees with or one he does not.
His message was straightforward: if audiences dislike Dhurandhar or another film because of its political perspective, they have the choice not to watch it.
‘Let a Hundred Flowers Bloom’
Sanyal used the phrase “let a hundred flowers bloom” to make his point about creative freedom.
He said that films with perspectives different from his own should also have space in the industry, arguing that audiences should ultimately decide which stories they want to watch.
His remarks come amid an ongoing debate over whether Dhurandhar should be viewed primarily as a work of entertainment or through the lens of its political and ideological themes.
Dhurandhar Sparks Political Debate
The Dhurandhar franchise has attracted significant attention not only for its box-office performance but also for the political discussions surrounding its storyline and themes.
Critics have accused the films of promoting a particular political narrative, while supporters have defended them as entertainment and storytelling from a different perspective. Sanyal’s comments place him firmly in favour of allowing such competing narratives to exist.
Sanyal Also Discusses The Revolutionaries
Sanyal’s comments came during discussions about the upcoming Prime Video series The Revolutionaries, based on his book Revolutionaries: The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom.
He explained that the story was better suited to a long-form series because it connects the lives and ideas of several freedom fighters, including Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Rash Behari Bose.
Why He Prefers a Series Format
Sanyal said the series format provides greater room to explore the connections between different revolutionary figures and the broader armed struggle for India’s independence.
The Revolutionaries is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on September 11.
A Broader Argument About Cinema
Sanyal’s comments reflect a broader debate about the relationship between cinema, politics and artistic freedom.
His position is that filmmakers should be able to present their ideas, while viewers should have the freedom to accept, reject or simply ignore those perspectives.
Audience Choice at the Centre
For Sanyal, the debate ultimately comes down to audience choice rather than restricting particular narratives.
His defence of Dhurandhar suggests that he sees room for films representing different ideological viewpoints, provided audiences are free to make their own judgments.