Bollywood Film Draws Praise for Acting, Criticism for Portrayal
The recent Bollywood release, Dhurandhar, has received mixed reactions. While lead actor Akshay Khanna earned widespread praise for his performance, the film also sparked major controversy for how it depicts Pakistan. Social media users criticized it because they believe it misrepresents Karachi and the Baloch community, arguing that the film bears little resemblance to reality.
In Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh plays a spy, whereas Akshay Khanna portrays Rahman Dakait, a character inspired by real-life gang war figures in Lyari, Karachi. Audiences appreciated Khanna’s intensity and screen presence. However, many viewers strongly disapproved of the Baloch characters, which they described as exaggerated and Arabized. Consequently, they felt these portrayals lacked authenticity.
Misrepresentation of Karachi and Baloch People
Pakistani audiences argue that the film presents Karachi and Baloch people almost as if they belong to another world. In addition, social media users expressed shock at the stereotyping and dramatization. They pointed out that the filmmakers ignored the cultural and social realities of these communities.
Karachi and Balochistan are shown as if they belong to another planet, one Twitter user wrote. Similarly, others highlighted that the film spreads false narratives about Pakistan and its people.
Although Indian actors like Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have historically been popular in Pakistan, Dhurandhar faced backlash for what viewers perceive as an anti-Pakistan agenda. Furthermore, critics noted that the film’s settings, characters, and plot elements clash with reality and appear deliberately sensationalized.
Social Media Backlash and Public Debate
After its release, Dhurandhar quickly became a trending topic on entertainment forums and social media. The film’s trailer, in particular, had already sparked controversy, as detailed in this report on the backlash. Pakistani audiences actively voiced concerns and highlighted the film’s inaccuracies.
In particular, critics focused on the social and cultural portrayal of Karachi and Balochistan. They argued that filmmakers chose dramatic storytelling over realism. As a result, viewers felt this approach undermined cultural understanding and reinforced negative stereotypes.
Even though the film achieved commercial success and received positive reviews in some circles, it triggered widespread public debate. Moreover, online discussions ranged from the accuracy of local dialects and customs to the depiction of law enforcement and community life.
Broader Context: Bollywood and Pakistan
Bollywood has a complex history with Pakistan. While Indian films enjoy a large following there, inaccurate or exaggerated portrayals of Pakistani cities, communities, and politics often spark controversy. Consequently, films that dramatize real-life issues can face strong criticism, especially when they distort reality for entertainment.
Dhurandhar highlights this challenge. Although filmmakers have creative freedom, audiences increasingly demand responsible representation. Indeed, social media responses show that viewers notice inaccuracies and are willing to hold filmmakers accountable.
Conclusion
As Dhurandhar continues to attract viewers across South Asia, debate over its portrayal of Karachi and Balochistan is likely to continue. While Akshay Khanna and Ranveer Singh received praise for their performances, the film underscores the need for cultural sensitivity. Clearly, Pakistani audiences want entertainment without misrepresenting reality. Moreover, social media will remain a strong platform for voicing these concerns.
