Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster film ‘Dhurandhar’ is breaking records at the box office, but now this film is embroiled in a new debate. During a discussion, film scholar Ira Bhaskar made a sharp comment about the film’s ideology and image of Muslims.
Swara Bhaskar’s mother and film scholar Ira Bhaskar, in a discussion, has raised questions on the ideology and content of director Aditya Dhar’s spy action film ‘Dhurandhar’. He says that violence has been shown in the film in support of a particular ideology and Muslims have often been presented as violent or criminal. During the discussion he said that the technology of cinema and its story cannot be separated. According to him, many films show selected incidents in the name of true events, so as to strengthen a particular ideology. In this discussion, there was also discussion on the presentation of Dalit and Muslim communities in Indian cinema.
Questions raised from Ira Bhaskar on the ideology of ‘Dhurandhar’
In a conversation hosted by writer Harsh Mander on YouTube channel ‘Caravan-e-Mohabbat’, film scholar Ira Bhaskar gave the example of ‘Dhurandhar’ and said, “I want to give the example of ‘Dhurandhar’, which is earning crores at the box office. This is a film which has been made by a filmmaker who is influenced by the ideology of Hindutva.” However, he also said that the film is technically well made and director Aditya Dhar is a capable filmmaker.
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What did IRA say about the image of Muslims in ‘Dhurandhar’?
Ira Bhaskar also raised questions on the presentation of Muslims in ‘Dhurandhar’. He said, “The film is extremely violent and its violence reinforces an ideology in which Muslims are shown to be very violent. Pakistan is also shown as a very violent country.” He further said, “You don’t see any normal Muslim character in the film. Almost every Muslim character is portrayed as a terrorist or a gangster.”
Ira Bhaskar started the debate on cinema and ideology
According to Ira Bhaskar, the technology of films and their message cannot be separated. He said, “Technique and content cannot be seen separately. Many films claim to be based on true events, but they show only selected incidents to support a particular ideology.” In this discussion, the presentation of Dalit and Muslim communities in Indian cinema and the role of cinema in the socio-political environment of the country were also discussed.
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‘Dhurandhar’ was a blockbuster, now it’s the turn of the sequel
Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Dhurandhar’ became an all-time blockbuster by earning around Rs 1350 crore worldwide. Now the second part of this film ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is going to be released in theaters on March 19. Before this, its paid previews were kept on 18th March.