Fri Oct 04 04:29:44 UTC 2024: ## “Dharmaveer 2” More Propaganda Than Biopic, Critics Say
**Mumbai, India** – The recently released Marathi film “Dharmaveer 2: Mukkam Post Thane,” intended as a tribute to late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe, has been met with criticism, with many calling it blatant propaganda aimed at bolstering Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s political image.
The film, released ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, portrays Shinde as the “true heir” to Dighe’s legacy, painting him as a fierce defender of Hindutva and a loyal follower of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Critics argue that the film distorts Dighe’s complex personality, focusing heavily on his “street-smart Hindutva” while minimizing his more compassionate side.
“From start to finish, the film feels less like a biopic and more like propaganda crafted for Shinde’s political gain,” said Prasanna D Zore, a film critic. “It’s an attempt to whitewash the ‘Gaddar’ (traitor) tag levelled against Shinde by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) faction.”
The film’s narrative seemingly justifies Shinde’s split from the Shiv Sena and his alliance with the BJP, depicting Uddhav Thackeray’s faction as having diluted the party’s core principles. However, the film is accused of oversimplifying the complex political landscape and relying on heavy-handed symbolism.
“Where Dighe had an organic connection with the people, Shinde’s rise feels far more engineered,” Zore added. “The film bends over backward to depict him as Dighe’s most loyal and capable follower, which feels contrived.”
Critics also take issue with the film’s attempt to equate Dighe’s influence with that of Bal Thackeray, arguing that Dighe’s sphere of influence was primarily limited to Thane. “By positioning Dighe as an equal to Thackeray, the film overstretches the scope of Dighe’s influence,” Zore pointed out.
Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of Muslims, particularly the scene where a Muslim woman is shown reluctantly lifting her veil to tie a Rakhi on Dighe’s hand, has been called stereotypical and manipulative.
“The film’s intent seems to be to tell the Muslim voter that Dighe and Shinde are their protectors,” Zore said. “This feels like a blatant attempt to garner Muslim votes by portraying Shinde as a true follower of Bal Thackeray’s ideology.”
Overall, “Dharmaveer 2” is viewed as a missed opportunity to portray Dighe’s multifaceted personality. Instead, it presents a one-dimensional version of the late leader, seemingly intended to bolster Shinde’s political aspirations.
First Piper 