Arnab Goswami, one of the most recognisable faces of Indian television news, recently described Dhurandhar as a work of fiction on his primetime show. His remarks quickly drew attention due to the film’s ongoing box office success and political undertones.
The anchor argued that Bollywood should stop making fictional or propagandist films. He suggested the industry should instead focus on real-life crimes such as the Unnao rape case, which demand public attention and accountability.
Arnab’s statement triggered widespread debate on social media. Users discussed the role of cinema in society and questioned whether filmmakers should prioritise grounded social realities over dramatized military or political narratives.
While speaking on his show, Arnab said cinema should reflect the lived experiences of citizens. He criticised mainstream films for relying on imagined stories rather than addressing pressing injustices faced by people across the country.
This shift in tone surprised many viewers. Arnab is often associated with strong right-wing narratives, which led the Dhurandhar troll army to accuse him of biased reporting and ideological inconsistency.
Interestingly, Arnab’s remarks echoed views earlier expressed by critics such as Dhruv Rathee, Anupama Chopra, and Sucharita Tyagi. They had questioned the politics of Dhurandhar and labelled it a propaganda-driven film.
With voices from both left- and right-leaning platforms raising similar concerns, a broader conversation has emerged. Viewers are now debating the responsibility filmmakers carry when dealing with socially and politically sensitive subjects.
Arnab also questioned the values dominating mainstream Bollywood cinema today. He argued that audiences do not need imagined spectacles when real crimes and injustices continue to unfold across the nation.
His reference to the Unnao rape case stood out sharply. The issue resurfaced recently after Kuldeep Sengar, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, was released from jail, reigniting public anger and concern.
So far, neither the makers of Dhurandhar nor those associated with the film have responded to Arnab’s comments. Meanwhile, the film continues to perform strongly at the box office and attract large audiences.
