Movies
Vetrimaaran Points at Dhurandhar 2, But the Mirror Points Back at Him
Director Vetrimaaran criticizes Dhurandhar 2 for its portrayal of demonetization, sparking debate over propaganda and creative liberties in cinema.
DE
Dumtika Editorial
March 29, 2026 · 1 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaaran has openly criticized the recently released film Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, calling it propagandist storytelling. The film, which hit screens on March 19, 2026, has sparked fierce debate among audiences and industry insiders. But before accepting Vetrimaaran's verdict, perhaps we should examine the judge himself.
Vetrimaaran took aim at how Dhurandhar 2 re-imagines India's 2016 demonetization as a covert mission called "Operation Green Leaf," stating, "Today everything becomes propaganda. Propaganda has power to influence memory." Bold words from a man whose own filmography is the finest example of exactly that.
In Viduthalai, he glorified Naxalite ideology, turning Maoist insurgency into a romantic struggle for justice. In Asuran, he selectively framed caste violence to steer audiences toward a specific political conclusion. In Visaranai, real issues of police brutality became tools for one-sided ideological storytelling. Film after film, Vetrimaaran has shaped how audiences think, feel, and remember which is the textbook definition of propaganda.
Dhurandhar 2 is simply a patriotic film that takes creative liberties something every filmmaker does. Actress Yami Gautam praised it. Audiences are enjoying it. The film altered the demonetization date to avoid legal issues, not to deceive anyone.
The real question is simple - why does Vetrimaaran label a patriotic film as propaganda while his own ideologically driven films get a free pass as "art"?
The mirror doesn't lie. It just waits for you to look.
