The Indian spy thriller, Dhurandhar, has sparked a heated debate in Pakistan, with Pakistanis arguing amongst themselves over its portrayal of their country and culture. The film, loosely based on the notorious Lyari gang war in Karachi, has divided opinions, with some praising its technical prowess and others criticizing its historical inaccuracies and cultural misrepresentation. The internal conflict within Pakistan is mirrored by the reactions of Baloch viewers, who feel their culture is misrepresented, and the film's depiction of political figures, which has led to accusations of propaganda and nationalist bias.
The movie's three-hour runtime and its blending of facts with fiction have raised concerns about its historical accuracy. While some praise its action sequences and performances, others argue that it distorts the local political dynamics and the role of India, which they claim is not involved in the Lyari gang war. The film's decision to merge the Lyari storyline with the 2008 Mumbai attacks has been particularly controversial, as it attempts to link a Pakistani urban conflict to India's nationalist narrative.
The portrayal of Baloch culture in the film has also sparked debate. While some Baloch viewers appreciate the actors' pronunciation of Balochi words, others find the sequence jarring, criticizing the use of Arabic rap music with traditional Balochi attire. The film's depiction of real Pakistani political figures, such as PPP politician Nabil Gabol, has also raised questions and accusations of political bias.
The internal gang wars and the rise of Lyari gang leader Rehman Dakait are central to the film's narrative. However, the film's portrayal of Chaudhry Aslam, a Lyari SP, as Punjabi has been criticized as inaccurate. The film's overall impact on Pakistanis is a reminder of the cultural industries' reluctance to tell their own stories, leaving them to question whether they should reject or admire the Indian narrative.
Karachi-based journalist Rabia Mushtaq highlights the film's distortion of Lyari's history and its nationalist storytelling, which she finds dangerous, especially at a time when India and Pakistan are recovering from the brink of conflict. The debate surrounding Dhurandhar reflects the complex relationship between India and Pakistan and the ongoing cultural and political tensions between the two nations.
