Anurag Kashyap slams the social media backlash against critics after 'Dhurandhar' says it was all 'co-ordinated', lauds Aditya Dhar
Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly rebuked the torrent of social‑media abuse directed at film reviewers after the Marathi movie Dhurandhar ignited a heated discussion about artistic intent and audience expectations. Kashyap’s comments, posted on his verified Twitter handle, called the backlash "a dangerous trend that threatens free expression in cinema" and urged platforms and audiences to respect the role of criticism.
Background of the controversy
Dhurandhar, a low‑budget Marathi drama released earlier this year, tells the story of a small‑town man who becomes an accidental hero during a local protest. While the film was praised for its raw energy and regional authenticity, several prominent critics labeled it uneven, citing a disjointed script and inconsistent performances. Their reviews appeared in major Indian newspapers and online portals, prompting a wave of comments from passionate fans who felt the film deserved broader appreciation.
The online reaction quickly moved beyond ordinary disagreement. Within hours, critics received threatening messages, hate‑filled memes, and calls for their dismissal from the industry. Some users even threatened legal action, arguing that the negative coverage was "biased" and "harmful to regional cinema". The intensity of the response raised concerns among media watchdogs about the safety of professional reviewers in the digital age.
Kashyap, known for his outspoken stance on creative freedom, entered the conversation on a Tuesday evening. In a thread that quickly went viral, he wrote: "When critics are silenced by mobs, the whole ecosystem suffers. Film is a dialogue, not a monologue. Harassment is not criticism."
He went on to highlight that criticism is an essential part of the artistic process, helping filmmakers refine their craft and audiences make informed choices. "A film can survive a bad review, but a culture that punishes honest opinion cannot survive at all," Kashyap added.
The veteran director also pointed out that social‑media platforms have a responsibility to curb coordinated harassment. He urged Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to strengthen moderation tools and to provide clearer pathways for reporting abuse targeted at journalists and reviewers.
Why the backlash matters
The incident underscores a growing tension between creators, critics, and the increasingly vocal online public. Critics serve as a bridge between the filmmaking community and viewers, offering context, analysis, and sometimes a counter‑point to popular sentiment. When that bridge is threatened, the flow of information can become one‑sided, potentially skewing public perception.
For the Indian film industry, which produces over 2,000 titles annually across multiple languages, the stakes are high. Regional cinema, in particular, relies on critical endorsement to break out of local markets and attract national or international attention. If reviewers are discouraged from speaking candidly, many deserving projects may never reach a wider audience.
Global perspective on criticism and social media
The situation mirrors similar debates in Hollywood, European cinema, and even the burgeoning film scenes of Africa and the Middle East. In the United States, high‑profile journalists have faced coordinated trolling after publishing unfavorable reviews of blockbuster releases. European critics have reported similar patterns during award seasons, where fan bases mobilize to defend beloved directors.
What distinguishes the Indian case is the sheer volume of users on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, combined with the cultural importance of cinema as a social touchstone. Movies often act as a reflection of regional identity, politics, and social change. Consequently, any perceived slight against a film can feel personal to a large segment of the audience.
Internationally, media scholars warn that unchecked harassment can lead to self‑censorship, eroding the quality of public discourse. "When the cost of honest critique becomes personal safety," says Dr. Leena Patel, a media studies professor at the University of Delhi, "the entire ecosystem—creators, audiences, and distributors—suffers."
Potential outcomes and industry response
Kashyap’s remarks have sparked a ripple effect. Several Indian film bodies, including the Film Federation of India and the Indian Film Critics Association, released statements supporting the right to critique and condemning online threats. They called for a joint effort with technology firms to develop better reporting mechanisms.
Meanwhile, a handful of social‑media influencers, who initially participated in the harassment, have issued apologies, citing “misguided passion” and a lack of awareness about the impact of their words. Their retractions have been met with mixed reactions, with some viewers seeing them as genuine, while others view them as performative.
Legal experts note that Indian law does provide avenues to address online harassment, but enforcement can be slow. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, require platforms to remove unlawful content within a stipulated time, yet critics argue that the process is reactive rather than preventive.
Looking ahead, industry observers anticipate a few possible developments:
Stricter platform policies – Social‑media giants may introduce AI‑driven filters that flag coordinated attacks on verified journalists and reviewers. Support networks for critics – Media houses could establish legal and psychological assistance programs for staff facing online abuse. * Public awareness campaigns – Film festivals and cultural institutions might launch initiatives highlighting the value of constructive criticism.
If these measures gain traction, they could help restore a healthier dialogue between creators and audiences, ensuring that criticism remains a tool for growth rather than a weapon for silencing.
Anurag Kashyap’s outspoken defense of film critics shines a light on a broader challenge facing the digital age: balancing passionate fan engagement with the right to free, respectful discourse. As the Indian film industry continues to expand its global footprint, the way it handles criticism will shape not only domestic cultural conversations but also how international audiences perceive its artistic integrity. The coming months will reveal whether the industry, platforms, and viewers can collectively curb harassment and preserve the essential role of critique in cinema’s evolving story.