Popular YouTuber and social media commentator Dhruv Rathee has sparked a fresh debate online after publicly criticizing the recently released film Dhurandhar 2. Known for his fact-checking videos and political analysis, Rathee took to his social media platforms to express his disappointment with the movie’s narrative, stating that the plot appears to be heavily “inspired by WhatsApp forwards” rather than actual “real-life events.” The film, which markets itself as a gritty portrayal of contemporary socio-political issues, has been under the scanner for its controversial themes, and Rathee’s critique has added significant fuel to the fire. He argued that the screenplay relies on debunked conspiracy theories and viral misinformation that frequently circulate on encrypted messaging apps, rather than sticking to documented facts or balanced storytelling.
According to Rathee, the danger of such cinema lies in its ability to present fictionalized propaganda as historical or current truth to a mass audience. He highlighted specific sequences in the film that he claims mirror common “fake news” tropes used to polarize the public. While the makers of Dhurandhar 2 have maintained that the film is a work of creative liberty inspired by various incidents, Rathee’s detailed breakdown suggests a pattern of selective storytelling designed to suit a specific ideological narrative. He urged his followers and cinema-goers to maintain a critical mindset and verify the “facts” presented in the movie before accepting them as reality. This critique comes at a time when the boundary between entertainment and political messaging in Indian cinema is becoming increasingly blurred, leading to heated discussions about the responsibility of filmmakers.
The reaction to Rathee’s comments has been polarized, with his supporters praising him for calling out potential propaganda, while fans of the film accuse him of being biased and trying to suppress artistic expression. Despite the backlash, the YouTuber remains firm in his stance, emphasizing that while creative freedom is essential, presenting “WhatsApp university” logic as “real events” is a disservice to the audience. As Dhurandhar 2 continues its run at the box office, the conversation sparked by Rathee highlights the growing influence of digital creators in shaping public opinion about mainstream media. The controversy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between narrative-driven entertainment and factual accuracy in the digital age, where a single viral forward can often overshadow documented reality.
