The Bollywood film Dhurandhar is widely perceived by many, particularly in Pakistan, as anti-Pakistan propaganda, though the filmmakers and some reviewers argue it is focused on anti-terrorism efforts and local gang wars.
The controversy stems from the film’s premise and its depiction of Pakistan
Portrayal of Karachi
The movie portrays Karachi’s Lyari district as a war zone and the “heart of terrorism,” where Indian intelligence agents infiltrate.
Plot
The plot revolves around an Indian intelligence operation to dismantle a terrorist network operating out of Pakistan, linking local crime networks to anti-India activities, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
Political Imagery
The film uses real political imagery, including flags and photos associated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and late leader Benazir Bhutto, leading to criticism of sensationalism and historical distortion.
Characters
Real-life figures like the late police officer Chaudhry Aslam are depicted, and his widow has threatened legal action over the perceived misrepresentation of his character and glorification of criminals like Rehman Dakait.
Chaudhry Aslam’s widow demands Bilawal Bhutto to act on ‘Dhurandhar’ propaganda
The film has been described by critics as an “ultra-nationalist” production that reflects a trend in Indian cinema to push anti-Pakistan narratives under the guise of action thrillers.
However, some people have defended the film, arguing that it is simply “anti-terrorism” and highlights a “ground reality” that Bollywood has previously ignored.
The film has been a major topic of debate regarding cinematic nationalism and the representation of cross-border relations.
