The trailer of the Bollywood film Dhurandhar, depicting a Pakistan-critical storyline, has sparked widespread controversy. Surprisingly, most criticism comes from Indian social media users rather than Pakistani audiences.
Karachi Portrayed as a War Zone
The trailer depicts Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood as a conflict-ridden area. Ranveer Singh’s character cautiously enters the hostile streets as an agent of India’s intelligence agency, RAW. Arjun Rampal plays a Pakistani intelligence major in a tense cat-and-mouse setup.
The trailer also features political symbols, including images of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan People’s Party flags, and scenes from party rallies. Analysts say these details heighten political drama. Some argue, however, that they verge on caricature, exaggerating tensions instead of exploring meaningful narratives.
Bollywood’s Nationalist Themes
Experts note that Dhurandhar reflects a recurring Bollywood trend of producing Pakistan-critical films. These stories often target Indian audiences with nationalist sentiments and action-packed spy thrillers. Critics warn that over-dramatization can alienate viewers both in India and abroad.
Film analyst Priya Sharma commented, The trailer exaggerates real-life scenarios, showing a whole neighborhood as a battlefield. It favors spectacle over story.
Social Media Reacts with Mockery
Despite the film’s patriotic intentions, Indian social media users have largely mocked it. Many called the story distorted and overly sensationalized. The casting of Sanjay Dutt as the late SSP Chaudhry Aslam and Akshay Khanna as the criminal Rahman Daku drew particular ridicule.
Memes and satirical posts flooded Twitter and Instagram soon after the trailer’s release. Users poked fun at performances and exaggerated plotlines. Some claimed the depiction of Pakistani neighborhoods and political figures was unrealistic. Others joked that Ranveer Singh’s performance failed to convey the tension expected from a RAW agent.
Changing Audience Expectations
The reaction highlights a shift in audience expectations. Social media-savvy viewers increasingly criticize films that rely on nationalism and stereotypes. Analysts say the trailer suggests that the film might struggle to gain credibility despite potential box office success.
Previously, films like Raazi (2018) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) successfully balanced action with emotional depth while exploring cross-border tensions. Critics fear that Dhurandhar, with its over-the-top depiction, may not achieve similar acclaim.
Release Date and Outlook
Dhurandhar is scheduled to release in early December. Analysts will watch closely to see whether audiences embrace the film or confirm social media’s criticism.
The trailer has already sparked debate about how Bollywood handles political and nationalistic themes. It also highlights the tension between entertainment and political sensitivity in South Asia. The film’s reception could set a benchmark for future projects that attempt similar storylines.
