The much-hyped action thriller ‘Dhurandhar-2’ isn’t just dominating theaters; it’s igniting fierce discussions on its bold inclusion of a character modeled after infamous gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav has stepped into the controversy, declaring the portrayal spot-on and well-deserved.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Yadav reflected on his personal encounters with Atiq during their overlapping tenures as MPs. ‘Movies reflect society’s raw truths,’ he said. ‘I’ve seen Atiq up close, known him well. Depicting him like this is right, and the public’s applause proves it. Kudos to the director and team.’
Helmed by Aditya Dhar with Ranveer Singh in the lead, the film is on track to eclipse the original ‘Dhurandhar’s’ records. The Atif Ahmed character steals scenes with recreations of Atiq’s final days, including a tense exchange about demonetization and his poignant complaint over missing his son’s funeral before being gunned down.
Online, opinions clash sharply. Critics argue the establishment turned a blind eye to Atiq’s crimes until after his death, while supporters credit demonetization for dismantling terror financing plots linked to cross-border elements. Yadav’s stamp of approval, coming from a prominent figure who knew Atiq, elevates the debate, making ‘Dhurandhar-2’ more than just a movie—it’s a cultural flashpoint.
As theaters pack in crowds, the film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, crime, and redemption in India’s underbelly, with Yadav’s words echoing as a surprising bridge between Bollywood glamour and hard-nosed politics.