The teaser for the upcoming Bollywood film Dhurandhar has sparked backlash in both Pakistan and India as audiences were taken aback over the representation of Karachi’s Lyari and the portrayal of Pakistan within the plot. The film features Ranveer Singh as a RAW agent who infiltrates Pakistan for a covert mission, while Arjun Rampal plays a Pakistani intelligence official named Major Iqbal, a character depicted as dedicated to harming India.
R. Madhavan portrays Ajay Sanyal, a role inspired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who implies that Lyari plays a key role in militant activities and claims that it is crucial for Pakistan to be infiltrated to address threats. The trailer showcases sequences reminiscent of PPP rallies, images of the assassinated former Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and associated party flags, which fueled the online discourse.
The reaction is part of a larger conversation regarding recent Indian films focused on Pakistan.
Viewers also referred to other Bollywood films where Indian actors were cast as real-life Pakistani figures, such as Sanjay Dutt playing Karachi police officer Chaudhry Aslam and Akshaye Khanna portraying Lyari gang leader Rehman Dakait, roles that had already attracted criticism online.
The discussion surrounding Dhurandhar intensified after the trailer circulated online, with viewers questioning how Bollywood portrays Pakistan’s issues as narrative elements.
Users highlighted that the gang conflicts in Lyari stem from local rivalries and political affiliations within Karachi, without any connection to India.
One social media commenter questioned the film’s intent, saying, “Do Pakistanis genuinely not recognize what the Indian government and film industry are promoting? This trailer aims to instill negativity in our minds and still profit from us.”
Another user suggested that the cycle of reactions was uncalled for, stating, “This is just their way of releasing tension after Operation Tindoor. Let them produce the film, and watch it if you wish. Chill out and view it as entertainment. There’s no need to take any of this to heart.”
Concerns also emerged regarding Sanjay Dutt’s role. One user remarked, “How is this even permissible? How can Sanjay Dutt portray someone like Chaudhry Aslam? He was a national figure for us. Casting Dutt in that role feels disrespectful.”
Another reaction questioned the filmmakers’ perspective on Pakistan, stating, “Why is India making a movie on Pakistan’s internal gang war? Have the #Dhurandhar writer or director ever visited Pakistan? Let alone Lyari? Answer: No, but suna bahut hai.”
Scheduled for release in early December, Dhurandhar continues to spark conversations across various platforms as viewers react to the trailer’s depiction of Pakistan.
