The release of “Dhurandhar,” directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has sparked controversy and mixed reactions. Since its debut in December, the film has grossed over ₹1300 crore globally, becoming a hit despite receiving various critiques from audiences and critics alike. Its popularity soared even higher after being made available on Netflix, capturing the attention of a wider audience.
Sabeer Bhatia, co-founder of Hotmail, recently shared his thoughts on the film through a video posted on Instagram. He criticized “Dhurandhar,” stating that it primarily promotes messages of hate and revenge. In his review, he emphasized the lack of intellectual depth in the film, arguing that today’s movies often aim to trigger emotional reactions rather than empower viewers. Bhatia mentioned that the film’s sensationalism overshadows its intellectual components, leading him to label it as “disgusting.”
Further addressing his concerns, Bhatia expressed a desire for the younger generation to engage in logical thinking rather than being emotionally reactive. He criticized the film’s portrayal of violence and revenge, deeming it a poor form of entertainment. By stating that it promotes dangerous ideologies, he called for audiences to reject the film.
The response to Bhatia’s review has been polarized. Many viewers resonated with his perspective, while others defended the film’s artistic expression. One comment on Instagram highlighted the unrealistic expectation of intellectualism in contemporary cinema, arguing that genuine creativity has been overshadowed by trends promoting hatred and propaganda. Others disagreed, citing that films like “Dhurandhar” can reflect real-life events, thus holding some validity.
“Dhurandhar” narrates the story of an Indian spy who infiltrates a criminal gang in Pakistan’s Lyari. Set to release its sequel, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” on March 19, the film is expected to generate further discussions as it goes head-to-head with another anticipated release, “Toxic.