By: Hiren Gandhi
Bollywood releases dozens of films every year, but only a handful manage to break beyond entertainment and force public debate. Dhurandhar is one such film. Rooted in realism, the movie directly exposes Pakistan’s terror ecosystem and the structured networks that fuel cross-border terrorism.
Unlike conventional spy thrillers that rely on melodrama or fictional heroism, Dhurandhar presents terrorism as a system—organized, state-protected, and globally dangerous. Its narrative draws inspiration from real investigations and attacks, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror strike, making the film unsettling, reflective, and politically relevant.
Ranveer Singh plays Hamza, an undercover operative who infiltrates terror outfits to expose their inner workings. His character is not glorified as a fantasy hero; instead, he represents the silent, brutal reality of intelligence operations and counter-terror missions.
For decades, Hindi cinema often softened the issue of terrorism with emotional tropes—suggesting that friendship, sympathy, or misunderstanding could neutralize extremism. Dhurandhar rejects that approach outright.
Its message is blunt and unapologetic:
Terrorism cannot be forgiven. It must be dismantled.
This clarity is precisely why the film has resonated globally. It does not associate terrorism with religion, but exposes how Pakistan’s terror infrastructure operates with institutional backing.
Box Office Impact: Numbers That Reflect Public Sentiment
Released on 5 December 2025, Dhurandhar opened to a massive response:
- ₹207 crore India net collection in the first 7 days
- ₹313 crore worldwide gross within a week
- USD 6 million (approx. ₹50 crore) from overseas markets
- Strong weekday collections averaging ₹20 crore per day
Trade analysts expect the film’s total theatrical business to settle between ₹350–400 crore.
Netflix acquired the OTT rights for ₹130 crore, the biggest digital deal of Ranveer Singh’s career. The film will stream globally on 30 January 2026, potentially pushing its overall business beyond ₹500 crore.
It is already the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.
Countering Pakistan’s False Narratives
Director Aditya Dhar presents a story inspired by documented events and intelligence findings. The film directly challenges Pakistan’s long-standing strategy of denial—branding any exposure as “propaganda” while continuing its double game internationally.
Pakistani media has predictably labelled Dhurandhar as “anti-Pakistan.” The accusation collapses under scrutiny. The film shows real attacks, real terror financing routes, and real investigative outcomes. Facts are not propaganda.
Indian agencies like the NIA have repeatedly established links between Pakistan’s ISI, terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, and underworld figures. These links are acknowledged by the United Nations and the United States, even if Pakistan refuses to accept them publicly.
Why Pakistan Cannot Admit the Truth
Openly acknowledging these connections would expose Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism—triggering international sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and internal political chaos. Denial is not ignorance; it is survival strategy.
That is why films like Dhurandhar create discomfort. They strip away the manufactured narrative and present terrorism as a coordinated system backed by power structures, not isolated rogue elements.
Bans Across Several Countries—But the Message Travels
The film has been banned in Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, officially citing “anti-Pakistan content.” The bans underline the very discomfort the film creates.
Despite this, Dhurandhar will reach a global audience through Netflix, ensuring that borders cannot silence its message.
A Film Beyond Religion and Sensationalism
The violence shown in Dhurandhar is controlled and realistic—never vulgar, never exaggerated. Its focus remains on systems, funding channels, training camps, and intelligence failures.
The central message is consistent and evidence-driven:
Terrorism is organized. It is protected. And it must be eliminated at the root.
What Message Does Dhurandhar Send to the World?
- Speak honestly about terrorism
- Stop excusing state-sponsored violence
- Expose nations that fund and protect terror networks
- Support countries that actively fight them
Dhurandhar is not just a film. It is a political statement, a documented accusation, and a warning.
Watch it—not for entertainment alone, but to understand the reality it forces into the open.
Secretary — InGlobal Business Foundation (IBF)
Director — ReNis Agro International LLP, Ahmedabad, India
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