Bollywood’s latest cinematic offering, Dhurandhar, has exploded onto the scene, creating a massive rift between box office success and critical reception. Led by the powerhouse performer Ranveer Singh, the film has achieved immediate commercial dominance while simultaneously polarizing audiences across the volatile India-Pakistan border. Is it a masterpiece of action cinema or a polarizing piece of political commentary? In this review, we dive deep into the plot, the gritty aesthetic, and the intense Dhurandhar movie controversy that is dominating headlines.
The Plot: High-Octane Espionage in Karachi
Dhurandhar plunges viewers straight into a gritty, adrenaline-fueled world where the stakes are nothing less than national security. The narrative centers on Hamza (played by Ranveer Singh), an elite Indian spy dispatched on a perilous mission deep within the congested streets of Karachi, Pakistan.
Unlike the polished, glamorous spy thrillers of the past, this film tracks Hamza's brutal battle against ruthless criminal syndicates and shadowy operatives. The backdrop is the perennial and sensitive India-Pakistan conflict, giving the story a weight that feels dangerously real.
- Visceral Action: The film is being praised for its technical brilliance. Expect tight, claustrophobic combat sequences and rapid-fire gun battles in narrow alleys.
- Unsettling Realism: The director does not shy away from violence. The torture sequences are described as unsettlingly long, filmed in suffocating close-ups that heighten the dramatic tension.
Aditya Dhar’s Return to the Political Arena
This film marks the grand return of director Aditya Dhar to the genre that made him a household name. Dhar, who first gained massive acclaim with the 2019 juggernaut Uri: The Surgical Strike, has seemingly mastered the art of the "nationalist blockbuster."
Following his success with Uri and his work as a producer on last year’s Article 370, Dhar doubles down on politically charged themes in Dhurandhar. Arriving just months after significant military escalations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the film leans heavily into real-life flashpoints to drive its narrative.
Historical References: The script expertly weaves fiction with reality, referencing actual historical traumas to build emotional momentum:
- The 1999 Indian passenger plane hijacking.
- The 2001 Parliament attack.
- The devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The plot is propelled by an Indian intelligence chief, played by the stellar R. Madhavan, who vows to retaliate on Pakistani soil. This narrative choice—sending a spy to neutralize terror networks operating with alleged government support—is exactly what has sparked such intense debate.
Controversy and Hyper-Nationalism: A Dual-Edged Sword
Despite the massive crowds flocking to theaters, Dhurandhar is facing a torrent of criticism regarding its messaging. The core of the controversy lies in its "unflinching nationalistic tone."
The Critics' View Prominent reviewers, including film critic Uday Bhatia, have argued that the film simplifies complex geopolitical histories. The accusation is that the movie dangerously blurs the line between entertainment and propaganda.
- Portrayal of Karachi: Critics note that the city is painted as a "lawless, almost barbaric land" that is pathologically hostile to India.
- Religious Framing: There is concern that the cross-border conflict is being framed specifically in religious terms, following a trend seen in recent films like The Kashmir Files.
Backlash and Support The discourse has become toxic online. The Film Critics' Guild has publicly condemned "targeted attacks, harassment, and hate" directed at critics who offered negative reviews. Conversely, supporters argue that the film is brave for tackling sensitive, overlooked contemporary issues with cinematic ambition.
Polarized Reactions Across the Border
The impact of Dhurandhar has spilled over the border, eliciting strong reactions in Pakistan despite an official ban on Indian films since 2019.
Pakistani Criticism Major editorials, including those in Dawn, have lamented the film's negative portrayal of their country. Specific grievances include:
- Fictional Distortions: The integration of the real-life Lyari gang into cross-border terror narratives has been flagged as factually incorrect.
- Political Backlash: A specific scene featuring a fictional Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) rally provoked furious responses from party leaders, labeling it a "malicious distortion."
Audience Appeal However, the cultural power of Bollywood remains undeniable. Reports suggest many Pakistani audiences are resorting to VPNs to watch the film. Content creators like Bilal Hussain have admitted that despite the "propaganda," the technical aspects—action, performances, and music—remain highly engaging.
The Verdict: Box Office Success Trumps Debate
Ultimately, the numbers speak for themselves. Dhurandhar has secured its place as one of the year's most significant hits. This trend confirms a major shift in Indian cinema toward politically assertive thrillers.
While political commentators dissect the messaging, the general audience seems to be engaging with it purely as a high-octane entertainer. As critics have noted, even if the film furthers a "slanted worldview," its ultimate classification remains fiction—and profitable fiction at that.
Closing Section
Dhurandhar is a film that demands to be seen, if only to understand the conversation surrounding it. Whether you view it as a gripping spy thriller or a controversial political statement, it has undeniably set the box office on fire.
What do you think? Does cinema have a responsibility to be historically balanced, or is entertainment the only goal?