New Delhi, India – A new Bollywood spy thriller, Dhurandhar, is making waves in both India and Pakistan. Released last week, this 3.5-hour film dives into the intense history between the two nations, mixing drama with action and political intrigue.
Set against the backdrop of ongoing tensions, the film comes at a pivotal time. Just months ago, tensions escalated after a rebel attack in Indian-administered Kashmir—a region that has sparked conflict since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. Both nations have fought four wars, underscoring the fraught relationship.
Starring Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy, Dhurandhar portrays a gritty narrative of espionage, featuring a tangled mix of gangsters and terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan. Critics, however, argue that the film leans heavily on nationalistic sentiments and takes artistic liberties with historical events.
What’s the Film About?
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar dramatizes covert operations by India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). The film follows Singh’s character on a dangerous mission to dismantle a terrorist network. With a strong cast, including Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna, it blends high-stakes action with personal drama.
The screenplay unfolds in a classic cat-and-mouse style, creating suspense while raising questions about history and representation.
Controversy in Pakistan
While Bollywood films have a fan base in Pakistan, Dhurandhar has stirred controversy. Critics point out that its depiction of Karachi, particularly the neighborhood of Lyari, is far from accurate. Nida Kirmani, a sociology professor, critiques the film for misrepresenting Karachi as a place solely defined by violence.
“Karachi has its struggles, but reducing it solely to crime ignores its rich culture and history,” she said. Kirmani’s insights reflect deeper issues, as recent statistics show an increase in misrepresentation of Karachi in media. A study found that 70% of portrayals focus only on violence, overshadowing the community’s resilience and vibrancy.
Adding to the film’s controversy, a member of the Pakistan People’s Party has filed a lawsuit, claiming the movie misuses images of the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, linking her to terrorism.
Reception in India
In India, Dhurandhar has seen significant commercial success, resonating with audiences. Yet, criticism lingers. The family of Major Mohit Sharma, an Indian Army officer, claims the film exploits his legacy without proper consent. The filmmakers maintain that the story is fictional.
Some critics note the film’s inclusion of real-life footage serves to blur lines between fact and fiction, which could skew public perception of historical events.
A Pattern in Bollywood
The trends seen in Dhurandhar are not isolated. Film critic Mayank Shekhar suggests that Bollywood often glorifies hyper-masculine heroes, echoing themes from past films. Recent productions have leaned towards narratives that portray Muslims negatively, aligning with the Hindu nationalist government’s perspectives, especially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kirmani emphasizes the danger of films that portray entire communities as “terrorists,” suggesting they deepen cultural divides. Such portrayals resonate with audiences but can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Growing Concerns and Backlash
The reception of Dhurandhar has sparked an online storm against critics. After critic Anupama Chopra published her review, it faced backlash and was soon taken down, illustrating the fear many critics face in calling out problematic narratives.
This has sparked discussions about the pressures filmmakers face and the ramifications of contributing to a singular, often nationalistic, narrative. The Indian Film Critics Guild has condemned the coordinated attacks on critics, highlighting concerns about censorship and the integrity of film criticism in the age of social media.
As discussions about Dhurandhar unfold, it symbolizes not just the artistic narratives of today, but also the complexities and tensions that shape India and Pakistan’s enduring relationship.
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