Dhurandhar: A Cinematic Reflection of Indo-Pak Relations

"Dhurandhar," a spy thriller set between New Delhi and Karachi, has emerged as the highest-grossing Hindi-language film of all time since its release in December 2025. The film follows an Indian intelligence officer infiltrating the criminal underworld of Lyari, Karachi, to dismantle a cross-border terrorist network. It intertwines historical events, including the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which India attributes to Pakistan. The film's release coincided with heightened nationalist sentiment in India, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

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Despite being criticized for its "anti-Pakistan" propaganda, "Dhurandhar" quickly gained popularity on Netflix, topping charts in both India and Pakistan. The film's rally scene, featuring gang leader Rehman Dakait, has gone viral, illustrating the complex relationship between the two nations. Sadanand Dhume, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, noted that the film's success indicates audiences prioritize quality over political controversies.

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"Dhurandhar" employs a unique narrative technique by blending historical facts with fictional elements. The character of Dakait is inspired by a real-life Pakistani mobster, while the Indian operative, Hamza Ali Mazari, navigates the Lyari underworld, which is depicted as a hub of crime and politics. The film's script draws parallels to Modi's rhetoric, with dialogue mirroring his speeches about combating terrorism. Critics like filmmaker Anurag Kashyap acknowledged the film's craftsmanship despite its propagandistic elements.

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In Pakistan, reactions to "Dhurandhar" have been varied. While some viewers, including Asad Gabol, a representative from the Pakistan Peoples Party, found the film entertaining, they criticized its portrayal of local gangs as overly exaggerated. Gabol remarked that the film inaccurately linked petty criminals to significant terrorist events like the Mumbai attacks. Sultan Mandhro, a resident of Lyari, expressed that while some aspects were exaggerated, the film's portrayal of violence was relatively tame compared to real-life experiences.

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Critics have raised concerns about the film's narrative, arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes about Pakistan. However, supporters assert that its commercial success reflects a desire for quality storytelling that transcends political divides.

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The anticipation for a sequel, "Dhurandhar: The Revenge," set to release in March 2026, indicates that the film's impact on audiences and its exploration of Indo-Pak relations will continue to evolve.

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• “In India, this is a case of a movie catching geopolitical tailwinds,” — Sadanand Dhume, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

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• “It’s a good film. In fact, a brilliant film,” — Anurag Kashyap, Filmmaker

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• “While some parts of the film were far-fetched, a lot of it was true and much tamer than what I remember.” — Sultan Mandhro, Lyari Resident

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