Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has commented on the debate over films being labelled as propaganda, including the recent film Dhurandhar. He said that creative works often reflect ideas and perspectives that can be interpreted differently by audiences.
Speaking to reporters after receiving a special award in Mumbai, Akhtar said filmmakers have the right to express their viewpoints through cinema. He added that every story naturally carries a message, regardless of how it is perceived.
Akhtar on ‘propaganda’ label in films
According to NDTV reports, when asked by reporters about Dhurandhar being called a propaganda film, Javed Akhtar responded by questioning the term itself. He said, “I don't know what you mean by propaganda films. I loved Dhurandhar; it was an excellent film. I liked the first one more than the second".
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#Dhurandhar2 - Javed Akhtar shared his strong opinion on Dhurandhar 2, addressing the criticism around the film being called “propaganda.” He questioned why presenting truth is labeled as propaganda, stating that if a film showcases reality, it should not be misunderstood as an… pic.twitter.com/HJCSDmkonF
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He further added, “Every story takes a stand, but does it become propaganda because the narrative doesn't suit a section of the audience? Everyone has the right to propagate their ideas. What is wrong with propaganda films? The task of every filmmaker is to present the truth". He also noted that even fictional stories carry underlying ideas or ideologies that shape the narrative.
Cinema, ideology and interpretation
Akhtar explained that films, even those based on fantasy or fairy tales, reflect some form of ideology. According to him, storytelling cannot exist without a viewpoint, and audiences may interpret the same film differently. He added that every film carries a moral message, which may or may not align with the viewer’s perspective, leading to different interpretations and labels.
About ‘Dhurandhar’
The film Dhurandhar features Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Danish Pandor in key roles. Interpretation in cinema is linked to how films are understood by audiences. His comments indicate that films can be viewed as expressions of perspective rather than fixed labels.
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The discussion also highlights that audience perception influences how films are classified and understood, particularly in cases involving politically or socially sensitive themes.
