Bollywood’s newest film, Dhurandhar, has sparked considerable controversy, primarily ignited by its trailer which presents an exaggerated portrayal of Karachi’s Lyari district as a chaotic war zone. The film’s narrative features Ranveer Singh as a RAW agent infiltrating hostile Pakistani territory, with Arjun Rampal portraying Major Iqbal, a character depicted as fixated on “making India bleed.” The storyline seems to suggest that the heart of terrorism lies within Lyari, further complicating perceptions of the region.
Critics, particularly from Indian social media, have condemned the film for its distorted representation of Pakistan and its reliance on anti-Pakistan propaganda, reflecting a broader trend in Bollywood’s recent filmmaking. The use of political imagery—like a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) rally and references to prominent figures such as the late Benazir Bhutto—adds layers to the scrutiny it faces. Observers point out that such storytelling seeks to advance an intensified anti-Pakistan narrative, especially evident with Bollywood’s controversial casting choices in recent projects.
The film, set to release in early December, has already drawn ire, as it appears to exploit sensitive historical events for dramatic effect. Critics argue that Bollywood is tapping into the troubles of Pakistan’s internal conflicts, namely the gang wars of Lyari that were intrinsically local and rooted deeply within Karachi’s socio-political landscape. Figures such as Rehman Dakait and Chaudhry Aslam represented a tumultuous chapter in the city’s history, one that should not be appropriated for entertainment without acknowledgment of its complexities.
This trend of sensationalizing Pakistan’s strife in Indian cinema raises significant concerns over the accuracy and ethics of depicting such sensitive issues. The film’s approach, portraying India as a central, heroic player in Pakistan’s struggles, dismisses the true pain experienced within the region. As the backlash continues, many hope for a shift toward more responsible storytelling that respects the intricacies of both nations’ histories. Dhurandhar serves as a reminder of the importance of nuance in cross-cultural narratives and the potential repercussions of oversimplified portrayals of complex realities.