Political Landscape Shifts as 'Dhurandhar' Influences Elections Across India
‘Dhurandhar’ sparks politics: 'Lyari raj' posters in UP to PM Modi's Kerala jab, Raghav Chadha's AAP attack
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Bollywood film 'Dhurandhar' has become a focal point in India's political discourse, with its imagery and themes being used in election campaigns from Uttar Pradesh to Kerala. The film's portrayal of lawlessness in Karachi's Lyari neighborhood is being leveraged by the ruling BJP to target opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav, while opposition parties accuse the film of promoting divisive politics.
- 01The film 'Dhurandhar' is being used in election campaigns across various Indian states.
- 02Posters targeting Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh draw parallels between his governance and the film's portrayal of lawlessness.
- 03Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked the film to criticize opposition parties for alleged dishonesty.
- 04Critics, including Congress MP Tariq Anwar, accuse the film of spreading hatred and promoting a BJP agenda.
- 05The film's director, Aditya Dhar, defends its patriotic intent amidst accusations of propaganda.
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'Dhurandhar', a Bollywood spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, has transcended entertainment to become a political tool in India. Released in December 2025, the film's sequel has intensified its impact, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Assam, where elections are imminent. In Uttar Pradesh, posters inspired by the film have appeared, targeting opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, suggesting a connection between his governance and the lawlessness depicted in the film's portrayal of Karachi's Lyari neighborhood. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to leverage this narrative as it seeks to maintain power in the upcoming 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also joined the conversation, using 'Dhurandhar' to accuse the Congress and Left parties of dishonesty regarding various issues, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Meanwhile, Congress MP Tariq Anwar has condemned the film, labeling its creators as 'hatemongers' and asserting that it serves the BJP's divisive agenda. The film's director has countered these claims, insisting that it was made with patriotic intent and that the government does not rely on such films for electoral success.
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The use of 'Dhurandhar' in political campaigns could influence voter perceptions and decisions in key states, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP aims to maintain its power.
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