Long after most big releases slow down, Dhurandhar is still running strong in theatres. The Ranveer Singh-starrer has crossed the 40-day mark, pulled in Rs 1,328 crore worldwide, and continues to add to its
box office total. But even with its massive numbers, the film hasn’t escaped debate. Its political tone has split audiences, sparking strong reactions both for and against it. Now, filmmaker Karan Johar has weighed in, making it clear that while he understands the debate, the politics of Dhurandhar did not bother him. “I wasn’t offended by the politics” Speaking in a conversation shared on the YouTube channel of IIMUN, as quoted by SCREEN, Karan was asked directly about the political reading of Dhurandhar. He said, “I unabashedly, unapologetically, and absolutely, outstandingly loved Dhurandhar. I saw all of it with awe because I loved the craft of filmmaker. I loved the storytelling. I loved the way he divided it into chapters. I loved that the gaze was more internal and it wasn’t against, it was for speaking about politics in its own way.” Karan added that disagreement around a film’s politics is natural, and part of what cinema should invite. He said, “I actually wasn’t offended by the politics of the film. I know where it was heading. I know some people could agree or disagree and that should be cinema.” Respect for craft over ideology Karan stressed that ideology was not what stayed with him after watching the film. For him, the focus was on how the story was told. He said, “I was not offended with any ideological issue in the film. I watched it for the craft, for the cinema aspect of it and I absolutely loved it, and I felt like Aditya Dhar has a unique voice and I feel he has emerged as a strong unique voice.” Karan also shared that he left the theatre feeling satisfied with the film’s balance, adding, “I walked out feeling it was a nuanced film.” Karan went on to explain that, much like his response to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s work, he respects strong, distinct filmmaking voices even if their style is not something he would personally attempt. He said that watching Dhurandhar made him reflect on his own abilities as a director. While he felt capable of many things, this particular approach was not his comfort zone. What stayed with him instead was the execution. “The craft of Dhurandhar is what I went home with and of course, the immensely powerful performances,” he said.
