Saumya Tandon Addresses Misinterpretation of Her ‘Beach Heroines’ Remark Amid Dhurandhar Defense
In a swift response to online speculation, actor Saumya Tandon has distanced herself from any perceived criticism of Yash Raj Films’ sprawling spy franchise, clarifying that her recent comments were not aimed at the YRF Spyverse.
Tandon, known for her role as Ulfat Hasin opposite Akshaye Khanna’s Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar’s upcoming thriller Dhurandhar, had earlier pushed back against accusations of misogyny leveled at the project. The controversy erupted on X (formerly Twitter), where a user pointed out the film’s predominantly male cast. Tandon acknowledged the observation but countered that the narrative avoids common pitfalls, stating, “They aren’t beaten, objectified, or shown as one of many wives, even though that society could have allowed it.” She elaborated, “Sorry that the grain of this story doesn’t allow for glamorous heroines singing songs on exotic beaches, that may work for other scripts, but not in this one.”
Media outlets quickly interpreted the “heroines on beaches” line as a subtle swipe at the YRF Spyverse, a high-octane cinematic universe that includes Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), War (2019), Pathaan (2023), Tiger 3 (2023), and the forthcoming War 2 (2025). The franchise, renowned for its blend of espionage and glamour, often features leading ladies in picturesque, action-infused sequences. The next installment, Alpha (2026), stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, further expanding the series.
Tandon wasted no time in setting the record straight. In a follow-up post, she wrote, “And I’m not taking a jab at anyone at all. I enjoy every kind of film—romance on beaches, mountain love stories, songs, dance, everything. But this film simply didn’t have that grain or need. So please don’t print what I didn’t say.” Her statement underscores a commitment to the story’s authenticity, emphasizing that Dhurandhar’s tone demands restraint over spectacle.
Directed, written, and co-produced by Aditya Dhar alongside Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar for Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar boasts a powerhouse ensemble: Ranveer Singh leads as Hamza Ali Mazari, an Indian operative embedding in a Pakistani crime network, supported by Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Manav Gohil, Danish Pandor, Gaurav Gera, and Naveen Kaushik. Inspired by real geopolitical frictions between India and Pakistan in the early 2000s, the spy action drama promises a gritty exploration of infiltration and intrigue. A sequel, Dhurandhar 2, is scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026.
As Bollywood continues to navigate debates on representation and storytelling, Tandon’s intervention highlights the challenges of public discourse in an era of rapid interpretations. Her poised rebuttal not only defends her project’s integrity but also reaffirms her appreciation for diverse cinematic expressions, from beachside romances to high-stakes thrillers.