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Controversial Bollywood film stirs regional tensions
A new Indian spy thriller, Dhurandhar, has ignited fierce discussions in India and Pakistan over its portrayal of longstanding hostilities between the two nations. Released last week, the film follows an Indian intelligence operative on a high-stakes mission in Karachi, blending real-world geopolitical conflicts with fictionalized espionage.
Plot and reception
Starring Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an undercover agent infiltrating criminal networks in Pakistan, Dhurandhar combines explosive action sequences with a narrative steeped in nationalist sentiment. Directed by Aditya Dhar-known for his 2019 hit Uri: The Surgical Strike-the film has drawn praise for its cinematic ambition but criticism for its political messaging.
While some viewers applaud its gripping storyline and technical prowess, others argue the film's unapologetic nationalism and graphic violence risk inflaming tensions. Online debates have grown so heated that critics reporting negative reviews have faced harassment, prompting the Film Critics' Guild to condemn the backlash.
Director's track record
Dhar's previous work, including Article 370 (2024), which dramatized India's revocation of Kashmir's autonomy, has similarly courted controversy. Praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these films often blend historical events with fictionalized narratives, resonating with audiences while drawing accusations of propaganda.
"My films are not political; they're about human stories," said Sudipto Sen, director of The Kerala Story (2023), a film criticized for distorting facts about religious conversions. Critics, however, argue such works simplify complex histories into polarizing narratives.
Historical references and inaccuracies
Dhurandhar weaves real events into its plot, including the 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The film opens with a dramatization of the hijacking, framing it as a catalyst for India's covert operations in Pakistan.
Pakistani critics have condemned the film's portrayal of Karachi as a lawless hub of gang violence and state-backed terrorism. Dawn newspaper and local commentators noted factual errors, such as linking the Lyari gang-known for organized crime-to cross-border conflicts. A scene depicting a fictional rally of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) drew particular ire, with party leaders calling it a "malicious distortion."
Regional reactions
Despite Pakistan's 2019 ban on Indian films, Bollywood remains widely consumed via illegal downloads or VPNs. Dhurandhar's mixed reception reflects broader frustrations: some Pakistani viewers appreciate its entertainment value, while others decry its one-sided narrative.
In India, many dismiss the political debates, focusing instead on the film's action and performances. "It's fiction-it can invent whatever it wants," said critic Uday Bhatia. "But its selective worldview is undeniable."
Box office success amid controversy
Despite the backlash, Dhurandhar has become one of 2025's highest-grossing films, underscoring the commercial appeal of nationalist-themed cinema in India. The trend mirrors the success of films like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, which also sparked debates over historical accuracy and political bias.
"Where Dhar takes the biggest swing is in his portrayal of Pakistan. It's not caricatured but surprisingly nuanced, especially politically."
Vineeta Kumar, India Today
