Bollywood actor R Madhavan has defended his films *Dhurandhar* and *Rocketry: The Nambi Effect* against accusations that the projects serve as propaganda [1].
The actor's response highlights a growing tension in Indian cinema between patriotic storytelling and political interpretation. As films increasingly focus on national identity, creators face scrutiny over whether their work promotes genuine pride or specific political agendas.
Speaking in Mumbai, Madhavan addressed criticism that labeled his movies as propaganda [2]. He specifically responded to online discourse where fans of his work were labeled as "Sanghis," a term often associated with right-wing political ideology [3].
Madhavan questioned the premise that celebrating national identity is inherently political. "Don't understand how being Indian can be seen as wrong," he said [4].
The actor argued that the themes present in his films are reflections of identity rather than tools for political manipulation. He suggested that the act of portraying an Indian identity cannot be a crime [5].
Madhavan continued to challenge the negative perceptions surrounding his work. "How is it wrong to be an Indian?" he said [6].
This defense comes as *Dhurandhar* and *Rocketry* have become focal points for debates regarding the intersection of art and nationalism in the region. Madhavan said that love for the country should not be automatically equated with a specific political bias [3].
“"Don't understand how being Indian can be seen as wrong"”
This conflict reflects a broader cultural divide in India, where the line between patriotism and political propaganda is increasingly contested. By framing his work as an expression of identity rather than ideology, Madhavan is attempting to decouple national pride from partisan labels, though the reaction from critics suggests that such a distinction is becoming harder to maintain in the public sphere.
