‘Dhurandhar’ Criticised for Misusing Benazir Bhutto’s Photos

The Pakistan People’s Party has strongly condemned the recent Indian spy thriller Dhurandhar for allegedly misusing images of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Sumeta Afzal Syed, spokesperson for the PPP and member of the Sindh Task Force, accused the film of illegally incorporating Bhutto’s pictures.

She stated: “The newly released Indian film Dhurandar has unlawfully used images of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and disgracefully attempted to portray the PPP as sympathetic to terrorists.”

Syed emphasised that the party has consistently opposed extremism and condemned the depiction as a malicious distortion of Bhutto’s legacy.

She added: “The PPP has been a frontline victim of terrorism and has always stood — and will always stand — as the strongest force against extremism.

“We strongly condemn this malicious distortion and urge the government to take immediate notice of India’s attempt to malign Pakistan’s former Prime Minister and an internationally respected democratic leader.”

The controversy has highlighted cross-border sensitivities, adding a political dimension to the hurdles faced by the espionage thriller.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna and is based on the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.

The film has previously faced criticism, with critics arguing that the movie exaggerates Pakistan’s internal conflicts and political history.

The Indian release on December 5, 2025, has generated polarised reactions, with viewers both praising production values and questioning its political messaging.

Some Pakistani audiences recognised the movie as a propaganda piece.

However, they appreciated its action sequences and performances, particularly Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of a Lyari gang leader.

Content creator Bilal Hassan expressed admiration for the music, choreography, and depiction of Chaudhry Aslam’s character by Sanjay Dutt.

He also lamented that Pakistan’s film industry had not claimed such stories, saying:

“We won’t tell this story… so instead, we greenlight weak scripts like Love Guru.”

The film showcased elements of Baloch culture, including traditional dance sequences rarely seen in Pakistani television, which some viewers praised.

However, many criticised the political messaging, highlighting attempts to depict the PPP negatively and the use of Bhutto’s images without permission.

Indian audiences were also vocal, with journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani labelling the film as “Sangh propaganda” hidden within an action-packed spy thriller.

Renowned film critic Anupama Chopra described it as “exhausting,” citing excessive nationalism, testosterone-driven action, and anti-Pakistan narratives.

Dhurandhar’s reception highlights the fine line filmmakers navigate when blending real events, espionage drama, and cross-border politics in contemporary cinema.