I watched the first part of Dhurandhar as a cinema lover—simply for the story, the performances, and the experience. Now that Dhurandhar 2 has been released, I find myself asking a simple question—should I watch this film?

But this time, it isn’t that simple.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma praised the film on his X account, saying it “shakes the audience and breaks the conventional framework of storytelling.” He described it as a “bold cinematic expression.”

Similarly, S. S. Rajamouli supported the film, stating that “such films give a new direction to cinema” and called it a “brave attempt.”

On the other hand, Kannada actress Ramya strongly criticized it, calling it “pure propaganda and extreme nationalism.” She added that the film “pushes a one-sided narrative that can divide society.”

The controversy hasn’t remained limited to India. During a screening in Canada, the situation escalated to the point where a theatre was vandalized and the screen was damaged. This incident reflects just how deeply the film has affected people’s emotions.

On social media too, Dhurandhar 2 has clearly split audiences into two camps. One calls it a “masterclass” and “fearless cinema,” while the other labels it “agenda-driven” and “propaganda.”

And I find myself wondering—should films be this divisive?
Or then again—doesn’t a director have the right to tell a story from their own perspective?

Perhaps cinema has always been about perspective. But as a viewer who watches films mainly for entertainment, I feel conflicted. Can I watch this film while staying away from all this debate?
Or have the noise, the opinions, and the accusations already shaped my viewing experience?

Sometimes, it feels like this entire discourse isn’t even meant for viewers like me. I go to the theatre for a couple of hours—to laugh a little, to think a little, and to step out of my world for a while. But if every film comes loaded with such heavy debate, does that simple, innocent experience survive?

Then another question arises—can I distance myself enough to watch Dhurandhar 2 without any bias?
Or will I become part of the same debate I’m trying to avoid?

Maybe I’ll find the answer after watching the film.
Or maybe the answer is that films are no longer just films anymore.

And I… still haven’t decided whether to book that ticket or not.