Indian actor Anupam Kher rejected claims that the film “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” is political propaganda during a recent festival appearance.
Kher's comments highlight a growing tension between critical reception and commercial success in Indian cinema, where audience-driven hits often spark political debate.
Speaking at the International Film Festival Delhi 2026 [1], Kher addressed the box-office performance of the film. He argued that the success of the project is a reflection of the viewers' preferences rather than a political agenda. "People are not idiots. The audience decides what works," Kher said [2].
The actor also linked the success of “Dhurandhar” to previous works, suggesting a pattern of audience support for specific types of storytelling. "Let's celebrate The Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar success," Kher said [3].
Beyond the controversy surrounding his recent film work, Kher discussed his return to live performance. He is returning to the stage with the musical “Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane”. He noted that actors must continuously reinvent themselves to remain relevant as cinema trends evolve, a process he views as essential for a long career.
The interview, which took place on March 30, 2026 [4], served as a platform for Kher to advocate for the autonomy of the audience. He urged others to ignore those who label cinema as propaganda and instead focus on the commercial viability, and reach of the films.
“"People are not idiots. The audience decides what works."”
Kher's insistence that audience choice outweighs critical accusations of propaganda reflects a broader shift in the Indian film industry toward 'audience-first' metrics. By framing commercial success as a democratic validation of content, Kher is positioning the box office as the final arbiter of a film's legitimacy, regardless of its political framing.
