Actor Ashwin Dhar, who played the character Arshad Pappu in the hit film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has addressed the controversy surrounding the film as well as the massive global response it has received since release. In a candid conversation, the actor reflected on the debates, audience interpretations, and the intense attention his character has attracted online.
Speaking about early claims that the film was fictional, exaggerated, or politically charged, Ashwin Dhar dismissed the controversy as a normal part of filmmaking. He emphasized that every film is interpreted differently by audiences, and differing opinions are inevitable. According to him, controversy does not diminish a film’s impact and often becomes part of its larger journey in reaching viewers.
He explained his perspective on the backlash and discussions by stating, "No, no—regarding controversies, as I’ve said before, every film faces them; some face minor ones, others major ones. It’s actually just part of the game. Everyone interprets a script differently; what appeals to one person might not appeal to another. Everyone has their own unique opinion. We should respect everyone's views and listen to what they have to say. Yes. Ultimately, it doesn't make a difference. What impact did it actually have on the film? None whatsoever; the film is a super-duper hit! It has secured its place among the all-time hits. When controversies arise around a film, people actually become even more intrigued—they wonder, "What is this controversy all about? Let's go see it for ourselves." His remarks underline his belief that audience reception ultimately defines a film’s success rather than pre-release debates.
Ashwin further added that controversy can sometimes work in favor of a film by increasing curiosity. He suggested that when audiences hear about debates surrounding a movie, they become more interested in watching it themselves to form their own opinions. In his view, this cycle of curiosity and engagement has contributed positively to the film’s visibility and popularity.
Addressing the second part of the discussion, the actor spoke about the overwhelming response he has received for his portrayal of Arshad Pappu. He revealed that his social media accounts have been flooded with messages from fans across the world. As he described it, "Well, ever since this film was released—and given how incredibly popular the character of 'Arshad Pappu' has become—messages, phone calls, and all sorts of communications have been pouring in from everywhere." He added that the volume of messages is so high that it has become difficult to keep up with them.
He also mentioned receiving a large number of intense and unusual messages online, saying that his inbox has been particularly active since the film’s release. According to him, while most reactions reflect strong audience engagement, the sheer volume has made it nearly impossible to go through everything in real time.
Concluding his thoughts, Ashwin Dhar reiterated that Dhurandhar: The Revenge has achieved widespread success and global attention. For him, the controversy and audience reaction together highlight how deeply the film has connected with viewers, proving that cinema continues to spark discussion, curiosity, and strong emotional responses across borders.