Madhavan, currently riding high on the success of De De Pyaar De 2 and Aditya Dhar's two-part thriller Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has finally addressed the criticism and controversy that followed the spy-action franchise — particularly allegations that it promoted hypernationalist themes and leaned favourably toward the current political establishment.
Speaking to Galatta Plus, Madhavan, who played Intelligence Bureau director Ajay Sanyal in the films, said he's able to tell the difference between genuine criticism and paid bot activity online. He spoke about how personal conditioning shapes people's views, sharing that he was raised to value contributing to the country, and maintained that his own public commentary has always stayed neutral toward political leaders — praising good work regardless of party, while noting no political outfit has ever approached him for endorsement or campaigning.
He also touched on how online reactions to his projects factor into his choices, saying he questions the intent behind criticism when it comes to celebrating things like national sporting achievements.
Defending the film further, Madhavan said he doesn't see how portraying Indian identity or values in his work should be viewed as a political statement or wrongdoing. He explained that Dhurandhar's narrative, set against the backdrop of Pakistan, reflects both positive and negative elements as part of the story, and drew a parallel to his approach on Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, where he stayed true to the real-life character of Nambi Narayanan without embellishment. He emphasized that staying faithful to a character's real personality — regardless of personal belief systems — is part of an actor's responsibility, and reiterated that wanting positive things for India isn't something that should be treated as controversial.
Dhurandhar and its sequel, released in December 2025 and March 2026 respectively, both went on to become massive box-office hits, each crossing Rs 1000 crore, led by Ranveer Singh alongside an ensemble cast.
Madhavan's next release, G.D.N., is a biopic on GD Naidu, the self-taught Coimbatore-based engineer and entrepreneur often referred to as the "Edison of India," known for adapting global technologies into affordable local innovations. Directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, the film also stars Sathyaraj, Priyamani, Jayaram, and Dushara Vijayan, and is set to release in theatres on August 7.