Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has generated massive buzz since the release of its intense, gore-filled trailer, but the excitement hasn’t been unanimous. Hours after the trailer dropped online, YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee launched a scathing attack on the filmmaker. Dhruv accused Aditya of glorifying extreme violence and compared the visuals to brutal ISIS propaganda videos.
The Ranveer Singh–starrer, positioned as a gritty spy thriller set in Pakistan, embraces heavy-duty action and graphic imagery. But while fans praised the scale and music, Dhruv argued that the trailer crosses ethical boundaries.
Taking to X on Tuesday, he wrote, “Aditya Dhar has truly crossed a limit of cheapness in Bollywood. The extreme violence, gore and torture shown in his latest film trailer is the equivalent of watching ISIS beheadings and calling it ‘entertainment’.”
Dhruv Rathee further accused the director of prioritising shock value and profit over social responsibility. “His lust for money is so unhinged that he is willingly poisoning the minds of the young generation, desensitizing them to gore and glorifying unimaginable torture,” he added.
The creator also urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to scrutinise the film’s violent content. “This is the chance for Censor Board to show if have a bigger problem with people kissing or watching someone get skinned alive,” he posted, referencing the often-criticised inconsistency in censorship standards.
The Dhurandhar trailer has undeniably made an impact. Ranveer Singh plays an undercover Indian operative navigating the dangerous terrain of Pakistan, while the ensemble cast includes Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan.
Many social media users defended the creative choice, arguing that such brutality is inherent to the film’s dark setting. Others praised the technical craft, particularly the background score. One user wrote, “The energy, the darkness, the atmosphere… it feels like Shashwat just opened a new chapter in Indian music.” Another demanded zero censorship, saying, “NO CUTS NO BLURS.”
The trailer launch took place at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, with Aditya Dhar, Ranveer Singh, and the cast in attendance. The film also features Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in key roles.
Dhurandhar is set for a theatrical release on December 5, and if early reactions are any indication, the film is poised to spark even more debate as audiences confront its unflinching portrayal of violence.
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