R. Madhavan Issues Clarification on Smoking Scene in 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'

Actor R. Madhavan has issued a clarification after a scene in Dhurandhar: The Revenge drew criticism for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The controversy centres on an early sequence in which Madhavan’s character appears to smoke a cigarette while reciting a verse from the Dasam Granth, a sacred Sikh scripture.

In a video message posted on Instagram, Madhavan said the backlash stems from a “misunderstanding”. He explained that his character extinguishes the cigarette before delivering the line, and that care was taken to ensure no smoke is visible during the recitation.

“There is a slight misunderstanding,” Madhavan said in Hindi. “I am certain that before this scene, Aditya Dhar, who pays more attention to these things than me, told me to put out the cigarette well before delivering this line. So, no smoke would come out of your mouth, nor would there be any smoke on screen, and you wouldn’t have a cigarette in your hand. Because this is extremely sacred and pure for us.”

He reiterated that the moment was treated with sensitivity and respect, confirming that there is no visual depiction of smoking during or after the recitation in the film. He stated that the team behind Dhurandhar holds the deepest respect for the Sikh community. Emphasising his personal reverence, the actor said that he regularly visits the Golden Temple before the release of his films.

Headlined by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar's sequel was released in theatres on March 19. The film is enjoying a blockbuster run, having collected over ₹900 crore worldwide. The film continues the story of Indian spy Hamza Ali Mazari/Jaskirat and his ascent in the Karachi underworld. Madhavan's character, a spymaster named Ajay Sanjal, is closely modelled on National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. In the film, Sanyal rescues Jaskirat from death row and offers him a second life, training him as a covert agent.