Aditya Dhar's action thriller, Dhurandhar, which was released on December 5, 2025, has become a talking point, lauded for its gripping narrative and realistic portrayal of covert operations. A significant aspect of the film's production involved recreating Pakistan's Lyari, a locality in Karachi, within the settings of Thailand.
Dhurandhar is inspired by real-life intelligence operations, including RAW's Operation Lyari. The film revolves around an Indian intelligence mission that unfolds over a decade, where an undercover agent infiltrates Karachi's criminal and political circles to dismantle cross-border terror networks. Ranveer Singh plays the lead role, supported by Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun.
The decision to recreate Lyari in Thailand stemmed from several practical considerations. Bangkok offered a controlled environment, essential for executing complex action sequences, night shoots, and sealing off streets – all with less bureaucratic hurdles compared to filming in Pakistan. The production team meticulously recreated neighborhoods to mirror the Lyari underworld. These recreations captured the essence of Lyari's dense alleys and chaotic environment.
Besides Thailand, Dhurandhar was filmed in various locations, adding layers of authenticity to the movie. After Bangkok, the crew moved to Amritsar, Punjab, where scenes were shot near the Golden Temple. Mumbai served as the operational hub, with indoor shots filmed at Filmistan Studios and outdoor sequences at Madh Island. Action sequences involving vehicular stunts were filmed on the Dombivali-Mankoli bridge. The crew also returned to Punjab, specifically Khera village in Ludhiana, where Pakistani flags were hoisted to recreate cross-border scenes. Additionally, the film was shot in Ladakh, at Patthar Sahib in Leh.
Dhurandhar distinguishes itself by presenting India's terror issue from Pakistan's side of the border. The film portrays Lyari as the hub of gang wars, revealing the connections between politicians, gangsters, and businessmen. It highlights Lyari's role in illegal weapon manufacturing and the counterfeit Indian currency trade.
The film has received an ‘A’ (adults only) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to its strong violence and was banned in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
