Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has expressed his concerns regarding the backlash that film critics face from fan clubs following negative reviews. He labeled these social media attacks as “coordinated” efforts and emphasized that they stem from a structure built within social media rather than organic sentiment.
In a discussion with film critic Sucharita Tyagi on her YouTube channel, Kashyap referenced Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar to illustrate his point. He argued that such backlash is a phenomenon manufactured by social media dynamics, noting an article from The New Yorker that explored how fan clubs are strategically established to create and defend heroes in the film industry. Kashyap criticized the aggressive response to critics, highlighting that differing opinions should be welcomed rather than attacked.
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has garnered a mixed reception. Some critics praised the film, while others labeled it as agenda-driven, leading to significant online trolling directed at those with dissenting views. The Film Critics Guild of India eventually stepped in to defend its members against these social media assaults, underscoring the hostility critics encountered.
Reflecting on the nature of these attacks, Kashyap articulated that they are not spontaneous but rather orchestrated efforts. He shared personal insights, noting that some individuals are compensated to generate such coordinated backlash. This troubling trend raises questions about the authenticity of fan engagement and the space for critical analysis in the cinematic landscape.
Dhurandhar features a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt. Despite the mixed critical feedback, the film achieved considerable commercial success, grossing over ₹1300 crore worldwide. A sequel titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge is slated for release next month, likely to continue the conversation around its predecessor.
Meanwhile, Anurag Kashyap is preparing for the release of his latest project, Kennedy. Set to debut on Zee5 on February 20, the film stars Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, marking another chapter in Kashyap’s diverse filmography.