Ranveer Singh’s latest Bollywood film, Dhurandhar, has sparked controversy in Pakistan due to its depiction of the country and its people. The film marks Singh’s much-anticipated comeback after a series of box-office flops. While Singh and his wife Deepika Padukone enjoy considerable popularity in Pakistan, the storyline of Dhurandhar has left many viewers questioning the film’s portrayal of Karachi and the Baloch community. Critics argue that the cities and communities shown in the movie seem entirely unrealistic, as if they were set on another planet.
In Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh plays a spy tasked with eliminating criminal gangs in Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood. Some characters, like Rahman Dacait, portrayed by Akshay Khanna, draw inspiration from real figures involved in Lyari’s gang conflicts. However, many viewers were taken aback by the “Arabification” of Baloch characters and the inaccurate representation of Karachi’s streets. Observers noted that the film’s version of Pakistan bears little resemblance to the real country, leaving audiences baffled and disappointed.
British-Pakistani host and film critic Haroon Rashid highlighted the stark contrast between the Dhurandhar version of Karachi and the actual city. Rashid, known for his unbiased and insightful commentary on films, pointed out how the streets, local culture, and general atmosphere depicted in the movie were far removed from reality. Social media users echoed this sentiment, criticizing the film for cultural inaccuracies. One user remarked, “I have been living in Karachi for 30 years but I never said Adaab,” while another commented, “Our story, our city, our police officers, and our gangsters are completely misrepresented.”
Many Pakistanis expressed frustration over the portrayal of their culture, highlighting that the film perpetuates stereotypes and fails to understand the diversity and nuances of Pakistani society. The criticism emphasizes that even after centuries of interaction, certain narratives in foreign films still misinterpret the social and cultural fabric of Pakistan.
Dhurandhar’s reception in Pakistan illustrates the challenges Bollywood faces when representing real locations and communities abroad. While Ranveer Singh continues to draw audiences with his performances, the backlash shows that cultural accuracy and sensitivity remain crucial for films depicting foreign countries. As discussions continue online, viewers are calling for more authentic portrayals in cinema that respect local histories and communities while still delivering engaging storytelling.
The film has ignited debates across social media platforms, highlighting the power of cinema to influence perceptions and the responsibility filmmakers carry when representing real-world locations and cultures.
