KARACHI:
Bollywood’s latest anti-Pakistan propaganda project, Dharindar, has sparked widespread backlash after the release of its trailer — with much of the criticism coming from Indian social media users themselves.
The trailer portrays Lyari, a densely populated neighborhood in Karachi, as an active war zone. Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, who plays the lead role, is shown making an “entry” into Lyari, depicted as hostile territory. Singh’s character is presented as a RAW agent deployed from India, while Arjun Rampal plays a major from a Pakistani intelligence agency.
The trailer has also drawn attention for featuring political imagery, including visuals of a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) rally, photos of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and PPP flags.
Observers say India’s anti-Pakistan obsession appears to be escalating, pointing to the film’s decision to cast Sanjay Dutt as the late SSP Chaudhry Aslam and Akshaye Khanna as the notorious Rehman Dakait — choices that have triggered mockery and criticism even among Indian viewers.
Set for an early December release, Dharindar has already become a source of embarrassment for Bollywood, as the trailer continues to attract ridicule online. Indian users on social media have accused the filmmakers of distortion, sensationalism, and poor representation, turning the film into a controversy well before its debut.
