Anupama Chopra who complained in her review that Dhurandhar film was “testosterone-heavy,” marked by “shrill nationalism,” and “anti-Pakistan narratives”, faced strong pushback online. After getting roasted left, right and centre, Anupama Chopra, made her review video private on her channel.
Shortly after this development, the Film Critics Guild (FCG) released an official statement condemning “targeted attacks, harassment, and hate” directed at film critics.
The statement read, “The Film Critics Guild (FCG) strongly condemns the targeted attacks, harassment, and hate directed toward film critics for their reviews of Dhurandhar. What began as disagreement has rapidly devolved into coordinated abuse, personal attacks on individual critics, and organised attempts to discredit their professional integrity. In recent days, several of our members have faced intimidation, including direct threats and vicious online campaigns aimed at silencing their perspectives, simply for expressing their professional assessment of a film. More concerningly, there have been attempts to tamper with existing reviews, influence editorial positions, and persuade publications to alter or dilute their stance. This comes on the back of frequent devaluing and ridiculing of film criticism by a broad spectrum of industry players in the recent past. Such interference strikes at the core of independent film criticism and undermines the editorial autonomy that a functioning cultural ecosystem relies upon. This willingness to police opinion sets a dangerous precedent. Claims that professional film critics have a bias or a political axe to grind are unsubstantiated and malicious. Film critics cannot be intimidated for doing their jobs, just as criticism cannot and should not be reduced to a one-line social media reaction or expected to align with promotional narratives. We are also deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our colleagues from across the country. No professional should be subjected to personal vilification simply for doing their job. We urge the public, the industry, and all stakeholders to recognise that liking or disliking a film is your right but expecting critics to fall in line is not. This moment demands collective reflection. At stake is more than a single film. The integrity of cultural discourse depends on the ability of critics to speak freely and without fear. We call for restraint, respect, and a commitment to the principles that allow art, debate, and criticism to coexist.”
Official statement from the Film Critics Guild on the targeted attacks and harassment faced by film critics and journalists this week. The Guild strongly condemns this behaviour and stands in solidarity with our colleagues. pic.twitter.com/R3ltKUkfFo
— Film Critics Guild (@theFCGofficial) December 11, 2025
The statement, while not naming any critic, positioned the Guild as a neutral body defending the principle of independent criticism.
But here’s where the story takes a truly comedic turn.
The Film Critics Guild’s statement strikes a lofty tone about “independent criticism,” “safety of journalists,” and “silencing of perspectives.” It reads like a grand defence of the noble profession.
Except… the person at the centre of the backlash, the reviewer who removed her own Dhurandhar review, and the individual allegedly facing the heat is also the one heading the very organisation issuing this moral lecture.
Yes.
The Managing Committee of the Film Critics Guild is chaired by
Drumroll…
Anupama Chopra herself!
So, since Anupama Chopra couldn’t shield herself from criticism, she has made use of the Guild she helms, to release a solemn statement essentially saying:
“Don’t criticise Anupama.”
Signed,
Anupama.
This statement was shared by another leftist film critic who got upset with India entering the homes of the enemy and striking it down.
The entire episode reads less like a defence of free speech and more like a professional panic button pressed from the top floor.
When the critic becomes the criticised, and the organisation she leads issues a public decree against criticism, the irony does not just write itself, it performs a standing ovation.
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