As Chhaava and Dhurandhar dominate box office conversations, Vicky Kaushal opens up on why patriotism in cinema is about truth, pride, and legacy — not guaranteed success.
Patriotism in Indian cinema has always been a double-edged sword. When done right, it can stir hearts, ignite pride, and create box office history. When misused, it risks becoming hollow noise dressed up as nationalism. And now, Vicky Kaushal has stepped into this debate with a refreshingly honest take — one that’s already resonating strongly across the film industry and among audiences.
Speaking to NDTV, Vicky Kaushal, who recently portrayed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava, addressed the growing perception that patriotism has become a “safe formula” for box office success in India. His response was blunt, thoughtful, and deeply personal.
“I think patriotism can’t be a formula and saying it is a formula is an insult to the emotion,” Vicky said, instantly striking a chord.
Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.
Patriotism Is Not a Shortcut to Success
In recent years, films with patriotic undertones have frequently topped box office charts, prompting critics and industry insiders to question whether filmmakers are leaning too heavily on nationalism as a crowd-pulling device. Vicky firmly disagrees with that framing.
According to him, patriotism is not a narrative trick or a marketing strategy — it is the lived truth of the country itself.
“Patriotism is our truth, which we will keep showing through our movies, literature and sports,” he added.
For an actor who has repeatedly chosen roles rooted in history, identity, and cultural pride, this perspective feels authentic rather than performative. Vicky’s statement also subtly pushes back against the idea that Indian audiences are easily manipulated by patriotic imagery alone.
Why Patriotic Films Matter — Beyond the Box Office
Vicky didn’t stop at defending patriotism as an emotion; he went further to explain why such films matter on a larger scale, especially in today’s globalized entertainment landscape.
“This is the way we can put our foot in the door and say that we are proud of the diversity, legacy and the truth of our country,” he explained.
In his view, patriotic films are not about chest-thumping slogans but about representation — of history, sacrifice, culture, and collective memory. They allow Indian cinema to speak confidently on the world stage, showcasing stories that are deeply rooted yet universally resonant.
“I am so proud that I am a little part of this big moment where we are fearlessly representing India on a global map,” Vicky said, underlining the responsibility actors carry when telling such stories.
Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.
Chhaava and the Sambhaji Maharaj Legacy
Vicky Kaushal’s comments carry extra weight because Chhaava itself has been part of the ongoing patriotism conversation. The film, which chronicles the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, blends high-intensity action with historical drama and emotional gravitas.
While the film received praise for its scale and Vicky’s committed performance, it also sparked debate about how much depth it afforded to its legendary protagonist.
Ulta Palta Khabar’s reviewer awarded Chhaava 3.5 stars, noting,
“Chhaava succeeds in delivering a high-intensity action film, anchored by Vicky Kaushal’s powerhouse performance. However, it falls short in fully capturing the complexities of Sambhaji’s character, leaving much of his multifaceted legacy unexplored.”
Even so, the film has been widely acknowledged as a stirring tribute — one that balances cinematic spectacle with reverence for history. And crucially, its success hasn’t been attributed merely to patriotic sentiment, but to performance, scale, and storytelling.
Dhurandhar Enters the Patriotism Debate
Adding fuel to the discussion is Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, another recent release frequently grouped under the “patriotic cinema” umbrella. With its themes of covert operations, national security, and sacrifice, the film has also enjoyed massive box office success.
Interestingly, both Chhaava and Dhurandhar have performed exceptionally well — but Vicky’s remarks suggest this success should not be oversimplified.
The takeaway? Patriotism may draw attention, but it cannot compensate for weak writing, poor execution, or lack of emotional honesty. Audiences today are far too discerning for that.
A Subtle Message to Filmmakers?
While Vicky avoided directly criticizing the industry, his words carry a subtle caution for filmmakers hoping to cash in on nationalism.
By calling the idea of patriotism-as-formula an “insult,” he draws a clear line between sincere storytelling and opportunistic filmmaking. In doing so, he positions himself as an actor who values intent over trend — a stance that aligns with his career choices so far.
From Uri: The Surgical Strike to Sardar Udham and now Chhaava, Vicky has consistently gravitated toward stories where national identity is explored with nuance rather than noise.
Where Is Vicky Kaushal Headed Next?
Interestingly, despite being in the spotlight, Vicky Kaushal has remained tight-lipped about his upcoming projects. The actor has not officially announced his next film, keeping fans and trade analysts guessing.
His most recent public appearance was at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2025, co-powered by Hyundai and Blenders Pride, where he once again reaffirmed his position as one of Bollywood’s most respected and thoughtful performers.
If his comments are any indication, Vicky is likely to continue choosing projects that challenge him creatively while staying rooted in authenticity — patriotic or otherwise.
Also Read: https://ultapaltakhabar.com/priyanka-chopra-breaks-silence-on-inr-1300-cr-budget/
Why This Statement Matters Right Now
At a time when cinema is often dissected for political messaging, Vicky Kaushal’s remarks arrive as a rare moment of clarity. He doesn’t dismiss patriotism, nor does he glorify it blindly. Instead, he reframes it as an emotion that must be earned on screen — through honesty, depth, and respect.
In an industry where trends come and go, his words serve as a reminder: emotions like patriotism cannot be manufactured. They must be felt, lived, and portrayed with integrity.
And perhaps that’s why films like Chhaava and Dhurandhar work — not because they wave the flag loudly, but because they connect with audiences at an emotional level.
For more sharp takes, box office updates, and behind-the-scenes Bollywood stories, stay tuned to UltaPaltaKhabar.com — where entertainment meets perspective.
Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.
You May Like:
- ultapaltakhabar.com/gst-raid-shocks-ankita-lokhande-vicky-jains-anniversary-celebrations-what-happened-behind-the-scenes-of-the-inr-27-5-crore-case/
- ultapaltakhabar.com/did-rehman-dakait-kill-dawood-ibrahims-brother-dhurandhar-reopens-karachis-darkest-underworld-secrets/
- ultapaltakhabar.com/a-r-rahman-sounds-the-alarm-on-classical-musics-future-how-do-we-bring-young-audiences-back-to-concert-halls/
- ultapaltakhabar.com/shraddha-kapoor-wants-dhurandhar-part-2-preponed-as-ranveer-singhs-spy-thriller-smashes-inr-500-crore-and-wins-bollywoods-loudest-applause/
