The Backup That Counts
Ranveer Singh’s spy thriller Dhurandhar has been making waves not just for its box office numbers but also for its controversial portrayal of Karachi’s Lyari region. Now, a Pakistani journalist has stepped in to defend the film, calling its depiction ‘authentic’ and based on real-life experiences.
At Talk Journalism 2026, journalist Arif Aajakia shared his personal connection to the story. ‘I was the mayor of a town in Karachi, elected mayor during the period when Dhurandhar was done. I was born and raised in Lyari, so I knew that everything shown was true,’ he said in a video shared by ANI.
Adding a surprising twist, Aajakia revealed his own roots: ‘I was born in Karachi, but my parents were born in Junagadh, Gujarat. I consider myself to be of Indian origin, not Pakistani.’ This unexpected admission has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the film’s narrative.
Controversy and Box Office Ka Jalwa
The Dhurandhar franchise has been at the center of a heated online debate, with critics accusing it of pushing a political narrative. However, supporters argue that the film is inspired by real events involving crime networks and counter-terror operations in Lyari.
Despite the controversy, the numbers speak for themselves. The first film, released in 2025, raked in over Rs 1,350 crore worldwide. Its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, released in March this year, added another Rs 1,800 crore globally, taking the franchise total past Rs 3,100 crore. That makes it the highest-grossing Indian film franchise ever, yaar!
The film stars Ranveer Singh as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, aka Hamza Ali Mazari, an undercover operative infiltrating Pakistan’s criminal networks. The ensemble cast includes R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and others, making it a true powerhouse of talent.
OTT Release and What’s Next
After its record-breaking theatrical run, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is set to drop its ‘Raw and Undekha’ version on JioHotstar on June 4. The first part’s uncut version is already streaming on Netflix and JioHotstar, giving fans a chance to see the film in its unvarnished form.
With the Pakistani journalist’s backing adding a new layer to the conversation, it’s clear that Dhurandhar is more than just a masala entertainer. It’s a film that has sparked real-world debates about representation and authenticity. Aur aap, kya kehte hain? Is the film a true story or just propaganda? The discussion continues.