Is Pakistan taking legal action against ‘Dhurandhar’?

WEB DESK: A petition has been filed in a Karachi District and Sessions Court against filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar, alleging that it portrays Pakistan and its political parties in a negative light.

The petitioner, Mohammad Amir, who is also a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) activist told the court that the film’s trailer depicts the PPP as sympathetic to terrorists and portrays Lyari as a war zone. He also claimed that images of the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the party’s flag were used without permission.

The petition seeks action against the film’s director, producer, actors, and other staff, while also naming relevant police officials as respondents. Filed under Sections 22-A and B of the law, the petitioner stated that he is a PPP worker.

According to the petition, Amir had been at a café under the jurisdiction of Darkhshan Police Station on December 10, where he viewed the trailer and promotional material on social media. He argued that the film falsely depicts the party and its leadership as supporting terrorism, creating hostility and hatred against the party, its supporters, and leadership.

The petition further alleges that the accused are responsible for the creation, production, and distribution of content that amounts to defamation, incitement to crime, promotion of riots, and spreading enmity among different groups.

Amir requested the court to direct the Station House Officer (SHO) to register a First Information Report (FIR) and ensure that the investigation is conducted under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (South). The petition reflects growing concerns in Pakistan over media content from neighboring countries that is perceived as maligning national institutions and political figures.

Chaudhry Aslam’s widow threatens legal action against ‘Dhurandhar’

Widow of martyred Sindh police officer Chaudhry Aslam, Noreen Aslam has condemned the Bollywood film Dhurandhar for portraying her husband negatively, calling it anti-Pakistan propaganda. She criticised the exaggerated depiction of Lyari and the character of Rehman Dakait, saying it misrepresents her husband’s heroic fight against terrorists. Noreen announced plans to take legal action against the filmmakers under international law for falsely depicting Chaudhry Aslam. Released on December 5, 2025, the film has faced bans in Gulf countries over politically sensitive content. Despite strong box office earnings in India, these bans may significantly impact its overseas revenue.

Maj. Mohit Sharma’s story without consent

Also before even hitting the cinemas, the film was surrounded by controversy as Indian filmmaker Dhar’s Dhurandhar faced legal scrutiny over allegations that it draws heavily from the life of the late Major Mohit Sharma, one of India’s most decorated army officers, without his family’s consent. Following the trailer release, critics and media noted striking similarities between the film’s plot and Major Sharma’s covert operations in Kashmir. His parents have filed a petition in court, requesting a halt to the release until the matter is investigated.

They argued that the film repackages their son’s missions for commercial gain without consultation, claiming his life “is not a commodity” and should be portrayed accurately and respectfully. The petition also raises concerns that some sequences may reveal sensitive military tactics and that no clearance was sought from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI). Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and other Bollywood stars, was released on December 5, while Dhar denied basing the film on Major Sharma’s life.