From Dhurandhar to Chhaava: Movies that were labelled PROPOGANDA but became box office HITS anyway

URI-The surgical strike:

Why it was called propaganda

The film is based on the 2016 Uri attack and the events that followed. It presents a dramatized account of the military response, focusing on operational planning and execution. Some critics and commentators described the film as promoting a strongly nationalistic tone and presenting events largely from one perspective. Its dialogues, character arcs, and background score were frequently discussed in this context. The film also remained widely visible across television debates and social media conversations, which contributed to how it was perceived.

Box office performance

The film emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2019, earning over ?240 crore in India and sustaining a long theatrical run with strong audience turnout.

The Kashmir Files:

Why it was called propaganda:

The film focuses on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s. It became the subject of widespread debate, with some critics stating that it presented a one sided portrayal of events without broader context. Others said it brought attention to a subject they felt had not been adequately represented in mainstream cinema. The film was discussed extensively across news media, political spaces, and social platforms, which significantly increased its visibility.

Box office performance:

Despite a modest budget, the film saw an exceptional box office run, collecting over ?340 crore worldwide and maintaining strong occupancy levels for several weeks.

The Kerala Story:

Why it was called propaganda:

The film deals with the issue of radicalization and follows characters from Kerala. It generated controversy prior to release due to debates around the accuracy of its claims. Some critics and political groups questioned its factual basis, while others supported the narrative it presented. The film also faced calls for restrictions in certain regions, which kept it in the public conversation for an extended period.

Box office performance:

The film performed strongly at the box office, earning over ?300 crore worldwide and becoming one of the most commercially successful films relative to its budget.

Chhaava:

Why it was called propaganda:

The film is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj and presents a historical narrative centered on his legacy. Discussions around the film have included how historical events and figures are interpreted and portrayed on screen. Some commentators noted that such portrayals can reflect specific ideological perspectives, especially when dealing with figures who hold strong cultural and political significance. The film became part of broader conversations around historical representation in cinema.

Box office performance:

The film turned into a major commercial success during its theatrical run. It earned more than ?600 crore net in India, with gross domestic collections going beyond ?700 crore over time.

At the global level, Chhaava reached approximately ?790 to ?800 crore worldwide, placing it among the top performing Indian films of the year. The film also showed strong momentum in its initial weeks, crossing the ?500 crore mark globally relatively early in its run before continuing with steady collections.

These numbers positioned it as one of the biggest box office successes of 2025.

Article 370:

Why it was called propaganda:

The film is based on the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. It presents a narrative around the political and administrative developments linked to the decision. Some commentators described it as aligning with a particular political viewpoint and noted that it simplifies complex constitutional matters for cinematic storytelling. The film remained part of ongoing public and media discussions following its release.

Box office performance:

It performed well commercially and crossed ?100 crore in India, attracting audiences interested in politically themed narratives.

Dhurandhar 1 & 2:

Why it is called propaganda:

The latest one to the join the bandwagon of being called a 'propoganda' film is Ranveer Singh starrer 'Dhurandhar.' The film has begun to generate attention for its subject matter and narrative direction. Early discussions indicate that it engages with themes that are politically or ideologically sensitive. As with similar films, it has entered public conversations where viewers and commentators are interpreting its messaging in different ways. Its positioning alongside other debated films has added to its visibility even before its full theatrical trajectory is established. However, none of these debates seem to affect the love the film has been receiving and that shows in its numbers too.

Box office performance:

The first Dhurandhar became one of the highest-earning Hindi films, collecting over ?830?crore net in India and more than ?1,200?crore worldwide, maintaining strong collections over several weeks. Its sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, opened to record numbers, earning around ?145?crore on its first day including paid previews, and exceeding ?190?crore domestically by the second day, with early worldwide totals crossing ?200?crore. Both films have set benchmarks for Hindi releases in terms of domestic and global earnings.

These films demonstrate how cinema, public discourse, and commercial performance often intersect. By focusing on real events, political developments, or historical figures, they attract attention that extends beyond traditional film promotion. The discussions they generate across media and audiences often play a role in shaping both their reception and their box office outcomes.