Veteran Indian actor Anupam Kher announced his return to the stage and dismissed accusations that the film *Dhurandhar* is a work of propaganda.
Kher's comments address the ongoing tension between commercial success and political criticism in Indian cinema. By defending the intelligence of the movie-going public, he challenges the narrative that hit films are merely tools for ideological manipulation.
Speaking at the International Film Festival Delhi on March 30, 2026 [1], Kher praised the box-office performance of *Dhurandhar*. He responded to critics who labeled the project as propaganda by emphasizing the agency of the viewers.
"People are not idiots," Kher said.
He further urged the industry to focus on the commercial achievements of recent projects rather than the controversy surrounding them. "Let's celebrate The Kashmir Files and Dhurandhar success," Kher said.
Beyond the controversy, Kher discussed his professional evolution and the changing landscape of the medium. He noted the influence of social media on how cinema is consumed and the necessity for performers to adapt to these shifting trends.
"Actors must keep reinventing themselves while always respecting the audience," Kher said.
Kher also detailed his plans to return to live performance with the musical *Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane*. He expressed a deep affinity for the immediate feedback and energy provided by live audiences, a contrast to the mediated experience of film.
The actor's remarks at the festival highlighted a broader philosophy of artistic adaptability. He suggested that while the tools of delivery change, the fundamental requirement for an actor to remain relevant is a commitment to constant reinvention.
“"People are not idiots."”
Kher's defense of *Dhurandhar* reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema where filmmakers and actors lean into commercial success as a validation of content, regardless of political polarization. His transition back to theatre suggests a desire to reconnect with traditional performance art amidst a digital shift in the film industry.
