Vetrimaaran takes indirect dig at Dhurandhar 2, says ‘propaganda films monetise hate’: ‘We know how many people died during demonetisation’

Sat Mar 28 11:19:57 UTC 2026: ### Vetrimaaran Criticizes “Propaganda” in Cinema, Alludes to “Dhurandhar 2”

The Story:

Tamil filmmaker Vetrimaaran has publicly criticized what he perceives as “propaganda” in cinema, making indirect references to the film “Dhurandhar 2” during the trailer launch of “Neelira,” a film set against the backdrop of the 1988 Northern Sri Lankan conflict. Vetrimaaran emphasized the importance of presenting truthful narratives to future generations, contrasting this with manipulating history to promote hate. He lauded “Neelira” for its focus on presenting events without promoting hatred or violence, contrasting it with films that he alleges aim to monetize hatred and manipulate memory.

Vetrimaaran also alluded to the portrayal of demonetization in mainstream cinema, highlighting the potential for cinema to distort the impact of historical events. He praised the makers of “Neelira” for daring to present the truth and counter hate-driven narratives.

Key Points:

• Vetrimaaran criticized “propaganda” in cinema during the trailer launch of “Neelira.”
• He indirectly referenced “Dhurandhar 2,” a film that presents the 2016 demonetization as a national security operation.
• Vetrimaaran emphasized the importance of truthful storytelling to preserve history and counter manipulation.
• He highlighted the potential for cinema to distort historical events like demonetization.
• “Neelira” is a fictional film set against the backdrop of the 1988 Northern Sri Lankan conflict, co-produced by Rana Daggubati.

Key Takeaways:

• Vetrimaaran’s comments reflect a growing concern about the potential for cinema to be used for political propaganda and historical revisionism.
• The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar 2” suggests a division in perspectives regarding the demonetization event and its portrayal.
• The focus on “Neelira” as a counter-narrative highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in historical storytelling.
• The event underscores the power of cinema to shape public memory and influence societal narratives.

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