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Anupam Kher Dismisses Propaganda Claims, Celebrates Audience Choice in Cinema

Anupam Kher has strongly dismissed claims that certain successful films are propaganda, asserting that audiences are intelligent and choose what they want to watch. He celebrated the commercial success of films like 'The Kashmir Files' and the 'Dhurandhar' sequel as proof of public choice. Kher also highlighted the 25-week theatrical run of his film 'Tanvi The Great' and emphasized that professional training is essential for actors to sustain long careers. Speaking at the International Film Festival Delhi, he praised the event for bringing people together and celebrating cinema.

Key Points: Anupam Kher on Film Success, Propaganda Claims, and Actor Training

  • Dismisses claims of cinema as propaganda
  • Celebrates success of 'The Kashmir Files' and 'Dhurandhar'
  • Stresses importance of trained actors
  • Highlights 25-week run of 'Tanvi The Great'
2 min read

"People are not idiots..": Anupam Kher hails audience choice on 'Dhurandhar 2', dismisses propaganda claims

Anupam Kher hails audience choice, dismisses propaganda labels for films like 'Dhurandhar 2' and 'The Kashmir Files', and stresses the need for actor training.

"People are not idiots..": Anupam Kher hails audience choice on 'Dhurandhar 2', dismisses propaganda claims
"People are not idiots... they are going to see 12 o'clock show, housefull. - Anupam Kher"

New Delhi, March 30

Legendary actor Anupam Kher on Monday spoke about the success of 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', emphasising that audiences choose what they want to watch and dismissing claims of cinema being propaganda.

While speaking to the media at International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026, he said, "I think we should ignore people who are calling cinema propaganda films. We are putting too much energy onto them, they are redundant people, they are irrelevant people. Let's celebrate the success of 'The Kashmir Files', let's celebrate the success of 'Dhurandhar'. People are not idiots. People are not idiots that they are going to see 12 o'clock show, housefull. People who go to see the film because they like it. And I think we should say rest in peace to people who are sort of calling it a propaganda film."

Reflecting on the role of cinema in society, Kher added, "Whether cinema can change people, yes, it can. It depends on individuals sitting in the dark auditorium, but it's also a business. It's like any other business. Many people run channels as a business; they don't do it just to tell a story. But if I am going to see a film, I may get something out of it."

Kher also praised the film festival for educating audiences and bringing people together, while highlighting the significance of his film 'Tanvi The Great'. "I also want to share that Tanvi The Great completes 25 weeks in theatres. It's a silver jubilee that has happened. It was my faith that we must run the film in limited theatres and for the film to re-release and then to complete 25 weeks is a great thing," he said.

Speaking on the importance of trained actors, Kher emphasised, "Today there is no possibility of becoming an actor without training. I have survived 41 years in cinema and almost 52 years in professional theatre, 550 films, only because I am a trained actor. OTT has given opportunities to actors, technicians, directors, and writers. Festivals are important to exchange thoughts and celebrate cinema."

Kher shared his enthusiasm for the festival in Delhi, saying, "I took a tour of the whole place. It's fabulous. The vibe is amazing. I'm very happy my film Tanvi The Great is also being screened here. I think this festival will do very well, and I congratulate the organizers, the Chief Minister, the government, and cultural and tourism departments."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I respect his seniority, I feel this is a bit simplistic. Cinema *can* be a powerful tool for propaganda, and it's naive to dismiss all criticism. Audiences can enjoy a film while also being critical of its messaging. We need more nuanced discussions.
R
Rohit P
Finally someone said it! The "propaganda" tag is just used by elitist critics who are out of touch with the common man's taste. If a film runs housefull for weeks, it means something. People vote with their wallets. Dhurandhar 2 was a paisa vasool entertainer! 🎬
S
Sarah B
His point about training is so important. With OTT, we see so many new faces, but the ones who last are always the trained actors. There's a craft to it. Good to see him supporting film festivals too—they're crucial for indie cinema.
V
Vikram M
The man has a point. In a democracy, the audience is the ultimate judge. If a story resonates with millions, it's reflecting a sentiment that exists in society. Dismissing it just because you disagree with the politics is not fair analysis. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Happy to hear about Tanvi The Great's silver jubilee! 🎉 It's a lovely film. Sometimes we just want to watch a good story well told, without everything being dissected politically. Let people enjoy cinema for what it is—entertainment and sometimes, inspiration.

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