Dhurandhar Faces Legal Trouble in Pakistan: PPP Seeks FIR Against Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna
A new legal challenge has emerged for the Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar, this time from across the border. A petition was filed on Friday in a Karachi court against the film, accusing it of defaming Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and her political party, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The petition, filed by PPP worker Mohammad Amir in the District and Sessions Court (South) in Karachi, alleges that the film used images of Benazir Bhutto, PPP flags, and footage of party rallies without permission. It claims the portrayal suggests the PPP supports terrorism, which the petitioner calls defamatory and damaging to Pakistan’s image.
The plea seeks the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against key figures behind the movie. Names listed include director Aditya Dhar, producers Lokesh Dhar and Jyoti Deshpande, and actors Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Beni. The petitioner argues that the film, particularly in scenes set in Karachi's Lyari area, wrongly depicts it as a “terrorist war zone” with PPP backing.
Mohammad Amir stated that after police did not act on a prior complaint, he approached the court. The petition cites sections of the Pakistan Penal Code related to defamation, incitement, and creating enmity between groups.
This controversy adds to the film’s overseas challenges. Dhurandhar is already banned in six Gulf countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—reportedly over content deemed ‘anti-Pakistan’. This follows a pattern where Indian films with Pakistan-related themes, like Fighter, Sky Force, and The Diplomat, have faced similar bans in the region.
Despite these hurdles, Dhurandhar continues its triumphant run at the box office. In just eight days since its December 5 release, the film has soared past ₹240 crore in India. It stars Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy infiltrating a gang led by Akshaye Khanna’s character, Rahman, with a narrative inspired by real events like the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
As the legal proceedings begin in Karachi, the filmmakers have not yet responded publicly. The case highlights the sensitive intersection of cinema, politics, and cross-border perceptions, potentially affecting the film’s global distribution.
What’s Next?
The Karachi court is expected to review the petition soon. Meanwhile, Dhurandhar continues to draw audiences in India and other international markets where it is screening.
