'Dhurandhar 2' celebrates cinema: Rakesh Bedi rejects 'propaganda' label
What's the story
Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, who plays Jameel Jamali in the Dhurandhar franchise, has responded to allegations that the film is "propaganda." In an interview with NDTV's Vasudha Venugopal, he said, "I don't believe in politics. I think it's the cinema... Everybody has the right to like or dislike a film." "But I don't think it's right to put a film into some kind of a category... That it's pro-establishment or anti-establishment. The verdict is that people are loving it."
Dig at 'Emergency'
Bedi recalls 'Emergency' didn't work well in theaters
Bedi further added, "Recently, there was a film on Indira Gandhi (Kangana Ranaut's Emergency) and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, these films didn't run for even two days." "Dhurandhar's writing, screenplay is great. People haven't seen a film of this scale being mounted ever."
Film's impact
'It's a mad frenzy...': Bedi on film's reception
Bedi further said that Dhurandhar 2 is a "celebration of cinema." He said, "The expectations were already on the cards, and now they are out. Everybody is talking about the film very highly." "So many shows are going on round the clock now... This is a mad frenzy which is going on." He also asked fans to watch the film in theaters and "not reveal the end."
Co-star's respect
On working with Ranveer Singh
Bedi also spoke about his experience working with Ranveer Singh. He said, "Stardom of any star is an outside phenomenon. It's outside the realm of the shooting arena." "When you're on set, you are in character. It doesn't matter if you are a bigger star or a smaller one." "Everybody has to be on the same page and everybody has to give respect to each other. Only then the magic happens."
Global acclaim
International recognition of 'Dhurandhar 2'
Bedi also spoke about the international recognition of Dhurandhar 2, including a viral video of Finland President Alexander Stubb and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussing the film. He said, "What could be a bigger compliment? I was elated to find out that a film that I'm a part of is being talked about at this level." "After I saw the film, I [told director Aditya Dhar], 'You have not raised the bar, you have broken the bar.'"
Director's influence
Bedi credited the director for his role
Bedi credited director Dhar for his role in Dhurandhar 2. He said, "It is a gift from the heavens and Aditya Dhar. I give him full credit for casting me." "He has seen my work and my work is not limited to film and TV. He has also seen my theater work. He knows me." The sequel also stars R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Gaurav Gera, and Danish Pandor.