Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut called director Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge as a reflection of a “new India,” while speaking at the opening of the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026. She praised the espionage thriller for depicting “culture, patriotism and modernity.”
While speaking to the media at the film festival, Kangana highlighted the need for such platforms that showcase films like Dhurandhar. “This is the picture of new India,” she said, adding that the film reflected “culture, patriotism and modernity – the dream of a developed India.”
“You see the pulsating energy of a new India” in the film, she said, adding that the IFFD was a boost to showcase such films. “For this, such platforms should be there,” the actor said, according to an ANI report.
Kangana further spoke of how the dream of a developed India had been possible under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We are very grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, who has given us the dream of a developed India. And we are all moving forward with it.”
Legendary actor Dharmendra honoured at IFFD 2026
Inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the IFFD drew several prominent actors, directors and film industry veterans. Highlighting the event were the Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented to actors Sharmila Tagore and Nandamuri Balakrishna, besides late actor Dharmendra, in recognition of their enduring impact on Indian cinema.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurates IFFD 2026
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised the cultural ambition behind the festival. “Delhi is the heart of the country, a city that embraces everyone and carries both history and hope. With this film festival, we are not just hosting an event but shaping a new cultural identity for the capital,” she said, according to an ANI record.
“Cinema has the power to inspire, to connect, and to tell stories that become people’s dreams. This festival will be a platform for new artists, filmmakers and especially women to showcase their talent. We are committed to making Delhi a true creative capital, known for its energy, stories, and spirit,” CM Gupta concluded.
The opening ceremony featured a special tribute marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The event officially commenced with the lighting of the inaugural lamp by CM Gupta. She was joined by celebrities including Kangana Ranaut, Sharmila Tagore, and Hema Malini.
Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. The film directed by Aditya Dhar features actors Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles.
The spy thriller had a theatrical release on March 19, 2026, alongside actor Pawan Kalyan’s Telugu action-drama Ustaad Bhagat Singh.
