Ranveer Singh’s upcoming spy-action thriller Dhurandhar has sparked heated debate after its trailer dropped in November 2025. The film (inspired by real-life intelligence operations linked to Pakistan’s Lyari gang wars) faced criticism for its extreme violence and gore. YouTuber Dhruv Rathee compared some scenes to ISIS beheadings and questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allowing the content. Actor Ranvir Shorey publicly criticised Rathee, accusing him of trying to sabotage the film.
Haq Director Defends Violence In Dhurandhar
Amid the controversy, filmmaker Suparn S Varma, known for the courtroom drama Haq, defended Dhurandhar and its director, Aditya Dhar. In a chat with Hindustan Times, Varma said audiences should respect different filmmaking styles.
Varma said, “I am of the opinion that everything is beautiful, so is violence. I mean Brian De Palma’s Scarface is a great example. We’ve grown up watching these films. Today, if a Marco is made, we love that film. That is also gory. There are all kinds of filmmakers all over the world who use violence, and Martin Scorsese has violence in his films. I mean, why beat him (Aditya Dhar) down?”
He added that global conflicts cannot be ignored in films and said, “Globally, countries are at war, and it cannot be ignored in cinema. Perspectives change, and what is in history is in history. So I don’t think this notion of, ‘oh, it’s violent’ is okay.”
He urged viewers to support Hindi films and the passion behind them. “I think we need to celebrate Hindi films of what they are and stop beating down our filmmakers and rather support films for the passion that they’re being made with. Give things a chance instead of everybody having an opinion and just being negative for the sake of it.”
Watch Dhurandhar Trailer
About This Ranveer Singh Starrer
Dhurandhar follows Ranveer Singh’s character, an Indian intelligence agent, who goes undercover in Karachi to infiltrate a powerful gang network. The story is complex, and the footage extensive, which is why the film is split into two instalments. The ensemble cast also includes Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. With a reported budget of over Rs 250 crore, it is one of the biggest action films in recent Hindi cinema.
While some critics and netizens have debated the film’s violence, others have defended it. Actor Saumya Tandon said the brutality is justified in the story. Director Aditya Dhar also emphasised that he will not compromise his artistic vision.
