Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has offered a mixed but thoughtful assessment of the *Dhurandhar* film series starring Ranveer Singh, applauding its craft while calling attention to what he perceives as its excesses. Released in two parts—*Dhurandhar* in December 2025 and *Dhurandhar: The Revenge* in March 2026—the franchise has mesmerized audiences and amassed over ₹3,100 crore globally.
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## What Shashi Tharoor Praised
In a video posted on his official YouTube channel, Tharoor singled out *Dhurandhar: The Revenge* as superior to its predecessor, saying: “As a work of fiction, as a work of entertainment, there is no doubt that the second part is superb.”
Despite his reservations about certain elements, he lauded the franchise’s visual treatment, direction, and performance. Calling the films “vividly made,” he commended the production design and set work as formidable achievements. Tharoor added the acting felt competent, and the direction strong—elements he believes leave viewers with the sense of witnessing cinema on a grand scale.
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## Concerns Over Violence: Graphic, Excessive, Over the Top
Tharoor did not shy away from criticism, especially regarding the franchise’s portrayal of violence. He expressed that many scenes were needlessly graphic and deeply disturbing—far beyond what he considered acceptable in mainstream Indian cinema. “There was no need to show so much violence, blood, mayhem, cruelty and some of the most disgusting scenes ever seen in Indian cinema,” he observed.
He described the depiction of brutality, bloodshed, and destruction as “totally excessive and over the top.” For him, the narrative could have been conveyed without resorting to such intense visuals.
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## Propaganda and Portrayal of India–Pakistan Relations
Tharoor also addressed what he called the propaganda thread running through the films. He acknowledged that the portrayal of Pakistan and its citizens could influence viewers’ perceptions—and that it might fuel already existing tensions. According to news reports, *Dhurandhar* has been banned in Pakistan and several Gulf countries, partly over concerns that it could ignite disharmony between Indians and Pakistanis.
He pondered how Pakistani audiences might respond to the films. “Some of the lines,” he suggested, “I think Pakistanis will laugh. Some of the other things, I think Pakistanis will realise how much wrong has been done in their name.”
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## Fiction vs. Reality: Tharoor Questions Timeline & Intelligence Ops
While recognising *Dhurandhar* as fiction, Tharoor raised doubts about several implausible plot points. He highlighted the depiction of covert intelligence operations—extensive espionage, clandestine directives, far-flung explosions—which he said differ sharply from his own dealings with intelligence officers. His lived experience, he noted, has revolved around analysis, dialogue, and exchange of information—not top-secret missions.
He also questioned a narrative choice related to R. Madhavan’s character, Ajay Sanyal—who appears to be inspired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. According to Tharoor, the idea that one bureaucrat could hold the same position from the late 1990s until now stretches credibility.
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## Final Thoughts: A Cinematic Experience with Mixed Emotions
Tharoor believes that despite its deficiencies, the *Dhurandhar* series delivers an “impactful cinematic experience.” He said that at the end of approximately eight hours of screen time, viewers emerge feeling they’ve been part of something vast.
He called the films memorable—not just for their scale and production but also for how they force conversation. The colour, action, direction, and performances contribute to their lasting appeal even as questions linger about the ethical and narrative choices made.
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## Cast, Crew, and Box Office
The *Dhurandhar* series, directed by Aditya Dhar, features Ranveer Singh in the lead, alongside Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun and R. Madhavan in significant roles.
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