Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra recently sparked an engaging discussion on social media after openly praising Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar, despite acknowledging that the film comes from a very different cinematic sensibility than his own. Known for his nuanced, politically layered storytelling, Mishra made it clear that while his filmmaking philosophy belongs to another “school,” he deeply respects the craft and execution of Dhar’s film.
Sudhir Mishra took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, and to defend the film against criticism that labels it as propaganda. His comments came in response to a broader conversation about the responsibility of Indian filmmakers to address real-life crimes and political issues through cinema.
The discussion began when a social media user questioned whether any Indian filmmaker would have the courage to make a film based on the Unnao rape case. Responding to this, Mishra wrote, “One of us has the guts. There is a film. You’ll see it soon. Also please stop lumping us all under one brand, called Bollywood. We belong to the Indian Film Industry and we are all different. By the way, Dhurandhar is a well-made film. Aditya Dhar is extremely skilled.”
One of us has the guts . There is a film . You’ll see it soon . Also please stop lumping us all under one brand , called Bollywood. We belong to the Indian Film Industry and we are all different. By the way Dhurandhar is a well made film . Aditya Dhar is extremely skilled . The… https://t.co/I6Kx2rkKba
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) December 31, 2025
With this statement, Mishra not only hinted at an upcoming socially relevant film but also pushed back against the tendency to homogenise Indian cinema. He emphasised that filmmakers across the country operate with distinct voices, politics, and creative approaches, rather than being part of a single ideological or stylistic block.
Mishra went on to elaborate on what impressed him most about Dhurandhar. Praising its performances, he highlighted the immersive quality of the film, which he believes is one of the most challenging aspects of filmmaking. “The acting is terrific. The most difficult thing in filmmaking is a director’s ability to make us, the audience, smell the place,” he wrote.
He credited Aditya Dhar’s technical team, particularly the cinematographer and production designer, for achieving this sensory realism. According to Mishra, the film succeeds in transporting viewers into its world, making its settings feel authentic and lived-in. He also applauded the casting choices, noting that even minor roles were perfectly cast, contributing to the film’s overall impact. While reiterating that his own filmmaking style is very different, Mishra made it clear that craft and skill deserve recognition regardless of ideological differences.
However, not all social media users agreed with Mishra’s praise. One user accused Dhurandhar of being propaganda, claiming it was designed to monetise pop nationalism and sectarian sentiment. Rather than dismissing the criticism or engaging in a heated exchange, Mishra responded with a calm and thought-provoking remark.
“Make a powerful film, with all the virtues of a great cinema experience which counters it,” he replied. His response underscored his belief in cinema as a space for dialogue and creative opposition, rather than censorship or blanket rejection. For Mishra, the answer to films one disagrees with lies in making better, stronger counter-narratives.
Make a powerful film , with all the virtues of a great cinema experience which counters it . https://t.co/QXci2Vg9pb
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) January 1, 2026
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a high-octane spy action thriller and the first instalment of a planned two-part series. The film follows an Indian intelligence agent who infiltrates Karachi’s criminal and political underworld in Pakistan. Its narrative weaves together multiple real-life geopolitical events, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and developments linked to Operation Lyari.
The film’s ambitious scope, intense action sequences, and political backdrop have made it one of the biggest commercial successes in recent years. Dhurandhar has crossed ₹700 crore at the Indian box office and earned over ₹1,117 crore worldwide, cementing its status as a major blockbuster.
Despite debates around its political undertones, the film has found strong support among audiences and several industry voices, with Mishra’s endorsement standing out due to his reputation as an independent and critical thinker. His comments suggest that appreciation for technical excellence and storytelling can coexist with ideological differences.
The sequel to Dhurandhar is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026, and is set to clash at the box office with Yash’s Toxic. With expectations already high, the upcoming instalment is likely to reignite conversations around cinema, politics, and storytelling in Indian films.