AIMIM president and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a sharp attack on Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar 2, dismissing the Ranveer Singh-starrer as “three hours of nonsense” and accusing it of promoting violence. Speaking at a news summit on Friday, Owaisi questioned the film’s content and its portrayal of community identities.

When asked about the Dhurandhar franchise, Owaisi responded in a mix of Hindi and Urdu, saying, “Picture hai vo? Teen ghante bakwaas (Is that even a film? It’s three hours of nonsense).” He added that he does not have time to watch a three-hour film and questioned what the movie offered beyond expletives and violence.

Owaisi Questions Film’s Intent

The parliamentarian went on to allege that the film left viewers with a troubling question. “What is even there in the film other than cuss words, promoting violence, and after three hours, it makes you wonder if you must cuss at Muslims or not,” Owaisi said. His remarks came days after the film’s release on March 19, as it continues to dominate the box office.

When the host noted that the “world is watching” Dhurandhar 2 and responding positively, Owaisi brushed aside the observation with a Hyderabadi idiom. “Hum Hyderabad mai bolte hai ki, pyaare, in cheezon ko dil pe mat lo, murde pe lo. To hum murde pe leke chorr dete hai usko (We have a saying in Hyderabad. Dear, do not take it to heart, take it to the grave. So, we take it to the grave and let it go),” he said.

Film’s Plot and Political Backdrop

The Dhurandhar franchise follows Indian spy Jaskirat Singh Rangi, alias Hamza Ali Mazari, played by Ranveer Singh. The character is sent to Lyari, Pakistan, by IB director Ajay Sanyal (R Madhavan) to infiltrate a Baloch gang and dismantle a terror outfit. The films draw from real-life geopolitical events and have been noted for their layered portrayal of intelligence operations.

The sequel, which sees the return of actors Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi among others, has been released in multiple South Indian languages alongside Hindi. The expanded release strategy has contributed to its strong box office performance.

Box Office Success Continues

Despite the criticism, Dhurandhar 2 has maintained a record-breaking run. According to trade figures, the film has collected over ₹715 crore in India and surpassed ₹1128 crore worldwide since its release. The first instalment, released in December 2025, had collected ₹840 crore domestically and over ₹1300 crore globally.

The sequel is now on track to outperform the original, making it the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2026 so far. The production is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Aditya and Lokesh Dhar under Jio Studios and B62 Studios.

Political Reactions and Public Discourse

Owaisi’s remarks add a political dimension to the film’s ongoing box office success. While the filmmaker and lead cast have not responded to the criticism, the controversy has sparked debate on social media, with supporters and detractors of the film weighing in on its portrayal of community dynamics.

Industry observers note that political reactions to mainstream films are not uncommon, particularly when storylines intersect with real-world geopolitical themes. The Dhurandhar franchise, with its focus on cross-border intelligence operations, has drawn both acclaim for its craft and scrutiny for its political undertones.

What’s Next

With the film still in theatres and its box office momentum showing no signs of slowing, the makers are yet to announce any official response to the criticism. Meanwhile, trade analysts expect Dhurandhar 2 to continue its record run through the coming weeks, with potential expansion into additional international markets.