Widow Speaks Out
Noreen Aslam, widow of slain Sindh Police officer Chaudhry Aslam, strongly criticized the Bollywood film Dhurandhar. She claimed it misrepresents her husband and announced legal action against the filmmakers.
In an interview with a private news channel, she said, The film spreads anti-Pakistan propaganda. Moreover, it distorts my husband’s contributions and harms our country’s image. She also questioned why the filmmakers chose Lyari, a troubled Karachi neighborhood, and why they exaggerated Rehman Daku’s criminal activities. Meanwhile, her husband’s heroic fight against dangerous terrorists receives little attention.
Protecting Chaudhry Aslam’s Legacy
Chaudhry Aslam, killed in a 2014 bombing, earned nationwide acclaim for fighting organized crime and terrorism. Consequently, Noreen Aslam stressed that depicting him negatively disrespects his memory and service.
She further warned that she would take legal action under international law if the filmmakers falsely portrayed her husband. The world recognizes my husband’s bravery. Therefore, presenting it in a distorted context is unacceptable, she added.
Film Release and Box Office
Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt, premiered on 5 December 2025. The movie earned around 1.886 billion rupees (approximately $23 million) in India within six days. Internationally, it collected 440.8 million rupees (around $5.3 million) in four days.
However, the film faces bans in Gulf countries, which may reduce its total earnings. Read more about the Gulf ban on Dhurandhar here. Since the Gulf region is a key market for Bollywood films, restrictions there could limit its box office performance significantly.
Controversy Sparks Debate
Noreen Aslam’s remarks further fueled controversy around Dhurandhar. As a result, the film now faces scrutiny from political, legal, and media circles in Pakistan and India.
Observers note that portraying real-life figures, especially national heroes, requires sensitivity. Moreover, legal experts say proving deliberate misrepresentation in films can be difficult. Nevertheless, Noreen Aslam’s stance highlights concerns over Bollywood movies that allegedly depict Pakistan negatively.
Broader Implications
The controversy reflects longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan regarding cross-border film portrayals. Indeed, Pakistani citizens often protest what they see as biased representations of their country. Similarly, Bollywood movies based on real events or figures frequently face criticism from families, advocacy groups, and authorities.
For Noreen Aslam, the issue is deeply personal. She insists her husband’s sacrifices—fighting terrorist networks and organized crime in Karachi—deserve respect and accuracy. As a result, her stance resonates with people who view Chaudhry Aslam as a national hero.
As the debate continues, the filmmakers’ response and potential legal action remain under scrutiny. Whether the controversy will affect the movie’s distribution or prompt changes is unclear. Nevertheless, it has drawn attention to filmmakers’ responsibility when portraying real-life heroes.
