Kumar Vishwas Defends 'Propaganda' Film

Poet Kumar Vishwas recently shared his views on the film Dhurandhar and the surrounding debate about its narrative. Vishwas noted that watching the film marked a rare cinema outing for him, his first in approximately 15 years.

He addressed claims that the movie promotes a specific agenda by drawing parallels to globally recognized films. Vishwas cited Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List, a film made by a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, as an example of cinema that could also be labeled propaganda. He emphasized that every filmmaker imbues their work with their personal worldview, referencing director Aditya Dhar's Kashmiri heritage.

Vishwas further commented on the long-standing presence of narratives in cinema, suggesting that reactions vary based on the storyteller. He posited that when a film is crafted with effort and detail by someone new, it might face scrutiny. He raised a pertinent question about the target of any perceived propaganda, asking if criticism is warranted when adversaries are depicted being neutralized, especially if they express nationalistic sentiments towards India.

He advocated for viewing films as an artistic medium, asserting that creators tell stories through their unique lenses. Vishwas suggested that the discomfort some viewers feel might stem from the film's polished execution, making it harder to dismiss than cruder, earlier propaganda films. He concluded by praising Aditya Dhar's strong directorial skills and Yami Gautam's talent.