The trailer of Bollywood’s highly anticipated film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt, has ignited outrage in Pakistan.
Critics argue the movie misrepresents Pakistan’s local gang conflicts, turning them into a sensationalized cross-border narrative.
Dhurandhar marks Ranveer Singh’s attempt to bounce back after a series of box office flops. The film also features prominent stars including Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Akshay Khanna, and R Madhvan.
Reports suggest that the story leans heavily on anti-Pakistan themes — a familiar trend in Bollywood blockbusters aimed at boosting actor visibility. The trailer depicts Lyari’s local gang wars as part of an exaggerated international espionage plot.
Controversial portrayals of real figures
Some characters in Dhurandhar are based on real personalities:
Sanjay Dutt plays SSP Chaudhry Aslam
Akshay Khanna portrays a local gangster, Rahman Dacait
R Madhvan’s role draws inspiration from India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval
Other characters appear to be modeled after Pakistan’s ISI
This creative choice has drawn criticism for mixing reality with fictional narratives, particularly by turning local gang conflicts into a cross-border spy drama.
Social media backlash in Pakistan
Pakistani netizens expressed their anger online, accusing Bollywood of an obsession with anti-Pakistan themes. Reactions included:
“The only way an Indian actor can make a comeback is by starring in an anti-Pakistan film. First SRK with Pathaan, now Ranveer Singh with Dhurandhar.”
“Bollywood is so obsessed with Pakistan that we now deserve a writer’s credit.”
“Lo and behold. Taweez and surmay walay musalman are back.”
The backlash highlights growing frustration over repeated portrayals of Pakistan as the antagonist in Bollywood storytelling.
