'Dhurandhar' Trailer Ignites Controversy in Pakistan
The trailer of Dhurandhar has stirred strong reactions in Pakistan due to its portrayal of Karachi and historical figures. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, stars Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy operating in Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood.
Main Characters and Controversy
- Arjun Rampal plays Major Iqbal, nicknamed the ‘Angel of Death’.
- Akshay Khanna portrays Rahman Dakait, a criminal called the ‘Apex Predator’.
- Sanjay Dutt appears as Karachi’s counter-terror officer Chaudhry Aslam, referred to as ‘The Jinn’ in the trailer.
- Madhavan reportedly enacts a character inspired by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, with other characters based on Pakistan’s ISI.
These portrayals have sparked debate over the film’s historical accuracy. Critics point out that Rahman Dakait and Chaudhry Aslam were primarily involved in gang wars and police enforcement, raising questions about the film's depiction of their roles.
Historical and Narrative Issues
The trailer references events such as the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, which has caused confusion about the storyline and its timeline. Many Pakistani viewers have taken to social media to denounce the film for what they call ‘fake nationalism’ and criticized its inconsistencies in historical facts and narrative choices.
"Bollywood is so obsessed with Pakistan."
The ongoing backlash highlights tensions surrounding the film's interpretation of sensitive historical and political themes.
Author's summary: The 'Dhurandhar' trailer has provoked controversy in Pakistan for its dramatized and disputed depiction of Karachi's underworld and historic events, sparking widespread criticism on social media.