DHURANDHAR: Movie or Propaganda? A Closer Look for Young Audiences
Movies are powerful. They do more than entertain us for two or three hours. They shape how we think, what we feel, and sometimes even who we see as heroes or enemies. In recent years, the movie DHURANDHAR has created a lot of discussion among young people in India and Pakistan. Some viewers see it as a patriotic action film, while others believe it crosses the line into propaganda.
This article does not aim to tell you what to think. Instead, it tries to help you think more clearly and independently. By looking at the themes, storytelling style, and messages in DHURANDHAR, we can better understand whether it works mainly as cinema or as a tool to influence opinions.
What Is DHURANDHAR About?
DHURANDHAR presents itself as a story of bravery, sacrifice, and national pride. It follows a strong central character who is shown as fearless, loyal to the nation, and morally superior. The plot revolves around conflict, national security, and an external enemy that threatens peace and stability.
On the surface, this sounds like a typical action or patriotic movie. Such films exist in almost every country. The problem begins when storytelling becomes one-sided and complexity is replaced with loud messaging.
Understanding Propaganda in Cinema
Propaganda is not always obvious. It does not always come with speeches or direct instructions. In movies, propaganda often works through emotions. It tells the audience who to cheer for and who to hate, without giving space for questioning.
A film becomes propaganda when:
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One side is shown as completely good
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The other side is shown as completely evil
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Real-world conflicts are oversimplified
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Viewers are pushed toward a fixed conclusion
DHURANDHAR uses many of these elements, which is why the propaganda debate exists.
How Nationalism Is Presented
Nationalism itself is not a bad thing. Loving your country, respecting its people, and caring about its future are natural feelings. The issue arises when nationalism turns aggressive and leaves no room for empathy or dialogue.
In DHURANDHAR, nationalism is shown in a very loud and emotional way. The nation is treated as perfect, while questioning or doubt is seen as weakness or betrayal. This kind of portrayal can make young viewers feel that being patriotic means supporting everything without thinking.
Real patriotism, however, also includes asking hard questions and wanting peace, not just conflict.
Portrayal of the “Enemy”
One of the strongest criticisms of DHURANDHAR is how it portrays the enemy. The opposing side is often shown as cruel, dishonest, and less human. There is little attempt to show motivations, internal struggles, or ordinary people on the other side.
For youth in India and Pakistan, this is especially important. Many young people have never met someone from the other country in real life. Movies like this may become their main source of information, which can be dangerous.
When cinema removes humanity from an entire group, it becomes easier to hate without understanding.
Emotional Manipulation and Background Scores
Another noticeable feature of DHURANDHAR is its heavy use of background music, dramatic dialogues, and slow-motion scenes. These tools are not wrong by themselves. They are common in commercial cinema.
But when they are used repeatedly to push a single message, they stop serving the story and start controlling emotions. The audience is not given time to think. They are told when to feel angry, proud, or emotional.
This kind of emotional control is a classic technique used in propaganda-driven content.
Why Youth Are the Main Target
Young people are more emotionally driven and idealistic. They are still forming their views about the world, politics, and identity. Movies like DHURANDHAR speak directly to this stage of life by offering:
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Clear heroes and villains
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A sense of purpose
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Emotional satisfaction
For some viewers, this can feel empowering. For others, it may quietly shape biases that last for years.
Awareness is important because once an idea settles in emotionally, logic often comes later, or not at all.
Entertainment vs Responsibility
Supporters of DHURANDHAR often say, “It’s just a movie.” This argument is partly true. Cinema is meant to entertain. But when a movie is based on real tensions between real countries, it carries responsibility.
Films influence public mood. They affect how societies talk about each other. When entertainment ignores this responsibility, it risks increasing misunderstanding and hostility.
A good film can be patriotic without being hateful. It can be intense without being dishonest.
How Similar Films Affect India-Pakistan Relations
India and Pakistan already have a complicated relationship. Political tensions, historical trauma, and media narratives often keep people apart. When movies add fuel to this fire, they make peace even harder.
Many young Indians and Pakistanis share similar dreams, struggles, and frustrations. Movies like DHURANDHAR rarely show this shared humanity. Instead, they divide audiences into “us” and “them.”
This division benefits political narratives more than ordinary people.
Watching with Awareness
Being critical does not mean rejecting the movie completely. You can still watch DHURANDHAR and enjoy certain aspects like acting or action scenes. The key is how you watch it.
Ask yourself:
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What is the movie trying to make me feel?
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Whose voice is missing from the story?
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Is the conflict shown realistically or emotionally exaggerated?
These simple questions can protect you from absorbing messages without realizing it.
Conclusion: Cinema Should Inspire Thought, Not Blind Belief
DHURANDHAR sits in a grey area between cinema and propaganda. It uses strong storytelling tools, but often sacrifices balance and depth for emotional impact. For young audiences in India and Pakistan, this makes awareness especially important.
Movies should open minds, not close them. They should encourage discussion, not hatred. National pride should exist, but not at the cost of truth or humanity.
Watching critically is not unpatriotic. In fact, it is one of the most responsible things a young citizen can do.
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