Ranveer Singh's upcoming film, "Dhurandhar," directed by Aditya Dhar, has ignited several controversies since the release of its trailer. The film, featuring a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, is slated to release on December 5, 2025.
One of the primary points of contention revolves around accusations of a "lack of originality". This criticism stems from the film's use of the classic qawwali "Na Toh Karvan Ki Talaash Hai" in its trailer. The song, originally performed by Manna Dey, Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi, Sudha Malhotra, and SD Batish in the 1960 film "Barsaat Ki Raat," sparked debate among social media users.
Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh defended the film against these accusations. After praising the trailer on X, Ghosh responded to a user who pointed out the song's lack of originality by stating, "No one claimed it's original. In fact, if anything… it's good that they got a song from 'Barsaat Ki Raat' out there". Ghosh's response aimed to shut down the criticism by clarifying that the filmmakers never intended to present the song as a new composition. He further implied that reviving a classic tune could be seen as a positive endeavor.
Another controversy surrounding "Dhurandhar" involves the film's depiction of violence. Content creator and political commentator Dhruv Rathee has strongly criticized the trailer for its extreme gore, comparing it to "watching ISIS beheadings". Rathee accused director Aditya Dhar of "glorifying violence for commercial appeal" and "poisoning the minds of the young generation, desensitizing them to gore and glorifying unimaginable torture". He urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to review the trailer's graphic content, questioning whether the board had "a bigger problem with people kissing or with someone being skinned alive".
Despite the criticism from Rathee, many fans have defended the film's intense tone. Some viewers have lauded the trailer's gritty feel and high-octane action, embracing the film's darker elements. The portrayal of Ranveer Singh in a more violent and rugged role has also been noted, with some drawing comparisons to his performance in "Padmaavat".
In addition to the concerns about violence, "Dhurandhar" has also faced backlash regarding its portrayal of Karachi's Lyari district. Critics, particularly from Pakistan, have slammed the film for perpetuating an anti-Pakistan narrative and distorting the true nature of Lyari's history. The film's depiction of Lyari as a war zone and the "heart of terrorism in Pakistan" has been labeled as unrealistic and sensationalized. Some critics argue that Bollywood is engaging in cultural appropriation by telling stories about Pakistan's past while misrepresenting the reality of its people's pain and struggles.
Earlier in the year, before the trailer's release, the film was also embroiled in controversy due to the age gap between Ranveer Singh, aged 40, and Sara Arjun, aged 20, sparking debate about Bollywood's casting choices and age-gap romances.
As "Dhurandhar" approaches its release date, it remains a subject of intense discussion and debate. The controversies surrounding its music, violence, and portrayal of sensitive subjects have generated significant buzz, but whether this attention will translate into box office success remains to be seen.
