The upcoming Bollywood film Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, is engulfed in controversy just ahead of its scheduled release on December 5, 2025. Described as a fictional spy thriller, the film boasts a notable ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun. With a runtime of around three hours and five minutes, Dhurandhar explores intense undercover missions, counter-terrorism strategies, and action-packed sequences intertwined with espionage and violence. However, allegations surrounding the film’s content have ignited public and legal scrutiny.
A significant issue arises from a lawsuit initiated by the family of the late Major Mohit Sharma, a highly decorated soldier in the Indian Army’s Para Special Forces Regiment. Major Sharma was tragically killed in a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2009. His parents have sought relief from the Delhi High Court, requesting a stay on the film’s release, claiming the storyline draws directly from Major Sharma’s life and military career without their consent or due acknowledgment of his service.
In their legal petition, Sharma’s family contends that the film’s elements—narrative arcs, military scenarios, character depictions, and trailer imagery—parallel real-life events from Major Sharma’s career, specifically highlighting tactics and infiltration methods. They argue that this unauthorized representation violates his posthumous personality rights under the Indian Constitution and raises concerns around national security, asserting that the film reveals sensitive military strategies that should require approval from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI).
The petition names several respondents, including the Indian Army, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Central Board of Film Certification, along with the film’s director and producer. The plaintiffs have requested not only a postponement of the film’s release but also a requirement for future portrayals of military figures to obtain prior consent from legal heirs and military authorities. A court hearing is anticipated soon, which could significantly influence the film’s release timetable.
In light of the brewing controversy, director Aditya Dhar issued a statement clarifying that Dhurandhar is a fictional narrative and is not directly inspired by Major Mohit Sharma’s life. His assertion comes as a response to inquiries from Major Sharma’s family and circles back to the director’s previous works that have delved into real historical events. Dhar assured that should there ever be a biopic on Major Sharma, it would be conducted with proper permissions and consultation with his family to honor his legacy appropriately.
Beyond the legal disputes, the film has faced criticism for its graphic violence and perceived political overtones. Prominent social media commentator Dhruv Rathee has voiced strong objections to the film’s violent scenes, drawing parallels to extreme representations of violence seen in global conflicts, and accused the filmmakers of being excessively commercialized. Such critiques contribute to an ongoing dialogue concerning the depiction of violence in Bollywood narratives.
Moreover, scrutiny has followed Dhurandhar due to its portrayals of real Pakistani figures and events, with characters possibly inspired by infamous personalities involved in terrorism. Critics argue these representations may further complicate already strained India-Pakistan relations, with some suggesting that the film acts as a tool of psychological operations (psy ops). Additional allegations surface concerning similarities to the Pakistani film Chaudhry, which centers on crime and political intrigue.
Public reactions reflect a wide spectrum of opinions, with some audiences lauding the film as a bold departure from conventional spy cinema that could challenge the dominance of established franchises. Conversely, others label it as excessive nationalism, pointing to promotional strategies that may undermine competing productions. Controversy has inadvertently spurred interest among certain viewers, intrigued by the film’s audacious themes.
As the film approaches its release amidst these controversies, industry experts predict a cautious box office performance, potentially hindered by limited screen availability if other films perform strongly. The unfolding situation underscores the ongoing tensions within Bollywood, particularly concerning narratives that balance creative expression with a respectful portrayal of real-life military figures and sensitive geopolitical themes. The outcome of the pending court hearing will play a critical role in determining Dhurandhar’s future in the competitive cinematic landscape.
