Mithun Chakraborty Defends ‘Dhurandhar 2’, Criticizes Bengal for Blocking ‘Bengal Files’ Release
Seasoned actor Mithun Chakraborty has weighed in on the growing debate around the label of “propaganda” being attached to Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster Dhurandhar 2, which has completed two weeks at the box office with a staggering ₹1,466.47 crore gross worldwide. While some online critics questioned the film’s politics, a large section of audiences and social media users applauded its craft and storytelling.
In an interview with IANS, Chakraborty rejected the propaganda tag, drawing a comparison with the controversy surrounding Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files, which was not allowed a proper release in Bengal last year.
“You did not allow Bengal Files to be released here. What bigger issue will you talk about than this? Yet, you are calling Dhurandhar 2 propaganda. Then why didn’t you stop Dhurandhar 2 as well? It was released, and now you are calling it propaganda. But you didn’t even watch a single reel of Bengal Files. From the very beginning, you opposed it and did not allow the film to be released in Bengal. What could be more unfortunate than this?” Chakraborty remarked.
Box Office Success and Audience Appreciation
Chakraborty also highlighted the massive appeal of Dhurandhar 2 across diverse audiences. “People from all religions watched the film. Some people watched it 3-4 times. That’s why the film has done such big business,” he said, acknowledging its commercial success and cultural impact.
The film has already surpassed the lifetime collections of the first installment in just 11 days, solidifying its status as a box office juggernaut.
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The Bengal Files Fiasco
The Bengal Files, part of Agnihotri’s acclaimed Files trilogy following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022), faced a release controversy in Bengal. Despite no official ban, major single-screen theatres and multiplexes refused to screen the film in September 2025, citing political sensitivity. The movie had sparked debates over its depiction of the 1946 Calcutta riots and alleged distortion of historical events, making it one of the most politically charged releases in recent years.
Dhurandhar 2: Star Praise
While Hrithik Roshan was among the few voices to question the film’s politics in December 2025, several prominent actors including Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Vijay Deverakonda, Vicky Kaushal, and Kartik Aaryan publicly praised Dhurandhar 2 on social media. Director Imtiaz Ali, speaking at IFFD 2026, also expressed admiration, stating, “I have not seen Dhurandhar 2 yet, but I know that there are many beautiful things in it. People liked it a lot. I would like to thank them for bringing audiences to theatres, and I hope it continues. I would like to congratulate the Dhurandhar 2 team.”
Final Take
Mithun Chakraborty’s comments underscore the ongoing debate about politics and cinema, highlighting the contrasting reception of films in different regions. While Dhurandhar 2 enjoys pan-India success and fan adulation, the experience of The Bengal Files illustrates the challenges filmmakers face when dealing with politically sensitive narratives.
Chakraborty’s defense adds a veteran perspective, emphasizing the need to separate audience appreciation and box office success from politically charged criticism.
