Cinema VinesBollywood actor R Madhavan has taken a firm stand against the label of “propaganda” that has been attached to his recent films, Dhurandhar (2025) and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026). In a conversation with Galatta Plus, the veteran star explained that the criticism stems from a misunderstanding of the film’s intent and the portrayal of Indian identity. He asked, “What does it mean by ‘being overly Indian’?” and expressed confusion over why simply celebrating Indian culture could be seen as problematic.
Madhavan said that his directorial debut, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022), was also accused of emphasizing Indian identity. He clarified that his goal was to present an honest narrative about the life of aerospace scientist Nambi Narayanan, not to make a political statement. He added, “I don’t understand how being an Indian can be seen as a wrong thing. Is it not okay to show myself as being ‘too Indian’?” The actor emphasized that his films are rooted in real stories and characters, such as the atheist engineer GD Naidu, and that authenticity is paramount.
Speaking about the political dimension, Madhavan revealed that he has never been approached by any party to endorse them or to join their ranks. He noted that he has never spoken ill of any politician and has praised achievements across the political spectrum. He believes it is his duty to support elected leaders when they assume office, but he maintains a neutral stance in public interviews.
The actor also highlighted that Dhurandhar is set in Pakistan and that the film explores universal themes that occur in both Pakistan and India. He insisted that the so‑called propaganda narrative is unfounded, pointing out that the film presents both good and bad aspects of the region. “This is not even a political statement,” he said, underscoring the artistic focus of his work.
As Madhavan’s latest project, G.D.N., continues to run in theatres, he has other films lined up, including Adhirshtasaali and Circle. The actor remains committed to showcasing Indian stories with integrity, asserting that enhancing the positive aspects of India is not a crime but a responsibility. The interview was conducted by Vibha Maru, Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times Entertainment, who has extensive experience covering Bollywood and Hollywood.
