Dhurandhar’, the latest high-profile Bollywood release, has generated significant discussion not just for its box office potential but also for its political subtext. Featuring Ranveer Singh as an Indian intelligence operative, the film follows a narrative of espionage, patriotism, and counter-terrorism, culminating in the protagonist’s infiltration of a Pakistani terror network. While the film has been lauded by sections of the audience for its gripping storytelling and high-octane action sequences, critics argue that it represents a textbook case of government-embedded filmmaking — cinema that aligns closely with state narratives and nationalist agendas.

Government-embedded filmmaking: Definition and context

Government-embedded filmmaking refers to the deliberate or indirect support, influence, or alignment of cinema with state interests, often to promote national narratives, reinforce patriotism, or frame adversaries in a particular light. While not always explicitly funded by the government, such films:

• Reflect state-approved ideological narratives

• Portray national institutions heroically

• Depict adversaries in simplified, often demonized roles

• Shape public perception of historical and geopolitical issues

In India, the relationship between Bollywood and nationalist storytelling has intensified in recent years, with spy thrillers, military dramas, and historical epics frequently weaving government-sanctioned narratives into mainstream entertainment.

Plot and patriotic framing in ‘Dhurandhar’

The film’s central plot revolves around:

• Ranveer Singh’s character, an Indian spy, penetrating a complex Pakistani terror network

• Action sequences set across urban and border locations, highlighting intelligence operations

• Themes of sacrifice, heroism, and national pride

While cinematic thrillers naturally dramatize espionage, ‘Dhurandhar’ explicitly frames India as the moral protagonist and Pakistan as a monolithic adversary. The narrative often:

• Simplifies geopolitical realities

• Reduces characters from Pakistan to stereotypical villains

• Emphasizes national loyalty and institutional heroism

Why it exemplifies government-embedded filmmaking

1. Alignment with state narratives

The film’s portrayal of India-Pakistan tensions mirrors contemporary political rhetoric in India. By presenting a clear-cut enemy and glorifying intelligence agencies, the film reinforces narratives consistent with government messaging, blurring lines between entertainment and ideological instruction.

2. One-dimensional portrayal of Pakistan

While Pakistan is a nuanced country with diverse political and social realities, ‘Dhurandhar’ simplifies it as a terrorist state. Critics argue this reinforces xenophobic tropes, normalizing distrust and animosity toward a neighboring country.

3. Use of patriotic symbolism

From dialogue to visual cues, the film uses symbols of patriotism — flags, military emblems, and national songs — to create emotional resonance with the audience. This reinforces the notion that support for the nation is synonymous with endorsing state narratives, a common hallmark of government-aligned cinema.

4. Reinforcing historical narratives

Films like ‘Dhurandhar’ actively reshape collective memory by presenting selective historical or contemporary events from a one-sided perspective. This approach mirrors government efforts to highlight national achievements while marginalizing or demonizing adversaries.

Public and critical response

The film has elicited a polarized response:

• Audience appreciation: Many viewers celebrate the film as a bold, necessary portrayal of national pride and heroism.

• Critical scrutiny: Analysts caution that the film propagates simplistic dichotomies, potentially exacerbating social divisions and normalizing stereotyping of Pakistan and Muslims.

The debate reflects the broader tension in Indian cinema between entertainment value and political messaging.

Broader implications for Indian cinema

‘Dhurandhar’ underscores a larger trend in Bollywood, where films increasingly:

• Align with nationalist agendas

• Receive tacit support from government bodies, directly or indirectly

• Influence public opinion, particularly around sensitive geopolitical issues

• Blur boundaries between state propaganda and mainstream entertainment

While such films can foster patriotism, they also limit nuanced discourse, reduce opportunities for cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to polarized societal narratives.

Conclusion

‘Dhurandhar’ is more than a spy thriller; it is a case study in government-embedded filmmaking, illustrating how cinema can be used to reinforce nationalist ideology and shape perceptions of geopolitics. By glorifying Indian intelligence and simplifying Pakistan into a one-dimensional adversary, the film exemplifies how entertainment can intersect with state-aligned messaging.

While audiences may enjoy the adrenaline and spectacle, the film also invites reflection on the responsibility of filmmakers: how to balance storytelling with historical accuracy, nuance, and ethical representation of rival nations.

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