Dhurandhar is back in the spotlight, but not for its action sequences. Instead, a viral Bali video featuring a Pakistani viewer dissecting the film’s portrayal of Lyari has sparked debate online. While Aditya Dhar’s spy drama aimed for gritty realism, the reaction suggests audiences across borders are questioning how authentic that vision really is.
Why is Dhurandhar’s realism being questioned?
The controversy began when an Indian influencer, Rohan Bhatia (@thebesharamfoodie), shared a casual street interview from Bali. In the clip, a Pakistani man and woman offered an unfiltered take on the film’s depiction of Lyari, a neighbourhood in Karachi often associated with gang activity.
However, the man quickly dismissed one of the film’s central lines as exaggerated. He laughed at the idea that “whoever controls Lyari controls Karachi,” calling it inaccurate. According to him, Karachi itself is too complex and fragmented to act as a power centre for the entire country.
What did the Pakistani viewers say about Lyari’s portrayal?
The man, who claimed family roots in Lyari, acknowledged that gang violence exists. Still, he stressed that it is limited and localised, usually confined to small neighbourhood rivalries rather than sprawling criminal empires.
Meanwhile, his companion pointed out cultural inconsistencies. She noted that public signage in Lyari is not typically in Urdu, as shown in the film’s party sequence. Instead, English signage is more common in certain areas, making the film’s visual detailing feel off to them.
That detail stood out.
Cultural authenticity vs cinematic liberty
The criticism didn’t stop at geography. The duo also questioned character portrayal, particularly Sara Arjun’s role as Yalina Jamali. They found her wardrobe choices unrealistic, especially scenes showing her walking alone in a miniskirt in Lyari.
According to them, such a scenario would be highly unlikely in real life. Similarly, they pointed out that the rave culture depicted in the film felt disconnected from the region’s ground reality.
Even the music came under scrutiny. While they enjoyed the track FA9LA, the man clarified that it is not a Balochi song, highlighting a mismatch between cultural labeling and actual representation.
How did Dhurandhar handle political drama?
The film’s plot thickens with an elopement involving Yalina and the spy character played by Ranveer Singh. This storyline also drew skepticism.
The Pakistani viewers found it implausible that a politician’s daughter could elope so easily. They argued that such an incident would be nearly impossible in Pakistan’s socio-political setup, suggesting the sequence leaned heavily on dramatic convenience.
However, this is where the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, attempts to fill narrative gaps. Released on March 19, the follow-up reportedly offers context that explains how such events unfolded, adding layers to the original storyline.
Does the criticism change Dhurandhar’s impact?
Despite the criticism, the duo acknowledged the film’s strengths. They praised its cinematography and admitted enjoying certain elements, including the music and visual scale.
Nevertheless, their reaction highlights a growing trend. Audiences today are more globally connected and culturally aware, making it harder for filmmakers to rely solely on dramatic storytelling without scrutiny.
In fact, such cross-border reactions often amplify a film’s visibility rather than diminish it. The debate itself becomes part of the film’s narrative ecosystem.
Dhurandhar’s latest controversy underscores a simple reality: authenticity matters more than ever. As global audiences weigh in, filmmakers may need to balance cinematic flair with cultural precision to sustain credibility.
