The Film That Revived Bollywood: Dhurandhar's Historic Success Leaves Anti-India Brigade 'Shocked Numb'

The recently released multi-starrer film 'Dhurandhar' has generated sharp reactions not only in India but also in Pakistan and the Gulf countries. The film is being viewed not just as an action thriller but as a serious commentary based on Indo-Pak relations, terrorism, intelligence systems, and political decisions. The film focuses on the situation post-26/11, the policies of that time, and India's response. The story raises the question of why India’s strategic response was considered weak during that period and how a decisive shift in security policy occurred in later years.

Character Inspired by Ajit Doval

A crucial aspect of the film is the character inspired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, played by R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal. The film shows how experience, strategic thinking, and long-term planning clearly influenced India's security policy after 2014. This is precisely why discomfort regarding the film is clearly visible in Pakistan. Sharp reactions against the film have surfaced on social media, YouTube, and media platforms. Reports of bans in some countries also indicate its impact.

Three Key Characters Inspired by Real Horrific Faces

Ilyas Kashmiri: The Most Dreaded Terrorist—The film's most terrifying character is inspired by the notorious terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri. On the night of February 27, 2000, he crossed the Line of Control into Indian territory in Kashmir's Nowshera sector with about 25 terrorists, all dressed in Pakistani Army uniforms. In this attack, two Indian soldiers were martyred, and two went missing. Later, the body of soldier Bhau Saheb Maruti Talekar was found, but his head was missing. Reports suggest that Ilyas Kashmiri severed his head and took it back to Pakistan, presenting the severed head as a trophy to the then President General Pervez Musharraf. Ilyas Kashmiri was also involved in the reconnaissance (recce) conducted by David Headley before the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. His name also surfaced in the German Bakery blast in Pune and the suicide attack on the CIA Camp Chapman in Afghanistan. He was finally killed in a US drone strike on June 3, 2011.

Rehman Dakait: Dangerous Mix of Crime and Politics—The second key character is inspired by Pakistan's notorious gangster Rehman Dakait. His story is considered an example of violence and brutality. Gradually, he became close to Pakistani politics, acting as a shooter for several politicians. When Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan from exile in 2007, Rehman was entrusted with her security. However, when his terror later became a threat to the establishment, Karachi Police encountered him on August 9, 2009.

Chaudhry Aslam Khan: The Fear of Criminals—The third key character is inspired by SSP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, played by Sanjay Dutt in the film. Chaudhry Aslam was considered one of Karachi's most dangerous police officers. Criminals trembled at the mere mention of his name. He was tasked with eliminating the Lyari gangs and Rehman Dakait. He was ultimately assassinated on January 9, 2014, in a bomb blast by the Tehrik-e-Taliban on Lyari Expressway in Karachi.

The Story of an Indian Intelligence Agent

Ranveer Singh is in the lead role in the film. He plays Hamza, an Indian intelligence agent sent on a secret mission to Pakistan. This character is believed to be inspired by the martyr Major Mohit Sharma.

Director Aditya Dhar's Strong Grip

The film's director, Aditya Dhar, has extracted excellent performances from all the actors. He has solidly positioned Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Ranveer Singh among the race of great actors.

A special mention is that Akshaye Khanna is much discussed for his dance sequence in the film. Moreover, the film’s research is extremely deep—even real recordings have been used in some places. The real heroes of the nation have been portrayed on screen by the film's heroes with complete honesty and respect.

Music, Patriotism, and New Energy

Just as Sahir Ludhianvi and Naushad once infused life into Indian cinema with their music and songs, the music and background score of 'Dhurandhar' once again bring the spirit of patriotism to life. After a long time, it feels like music is providing not just entertainment but emotional energy as well.

New Delhi: The record-breaking success of Aditya Dhar-directed film 'Dhurandhar' has infused new life into the Indian film industry. The film has not only performed brilliantly at the box office but has also given a befitting reply to the propaganda of 'anti-Pakistan', 'Islamophobic', and 'communal' film narratives circulating in the country.

'Celebration Period' in the Industry

Producer Ashok Pandit called the film's success a 'Celebration Period' for the industry. He stated that Aditya Dhar has created history with this film, which the entire country and the world are celebrating. He said, "Aditya Dhar has injected such oxygen into our industry, which was a sleeping industry... Aditya Dhar has given an entire generation confidence with 'Dhurandhar' that people still come to the theaters to watch." Pandit expressed surprise at the immense love the three-and-a-quarter-hour film is receiving in an era of decreasing audience concentration. He mentioned that audiences sit 'Shocked Numb' in the cinema hall, and the loudest cheers and whistles erupt when 'Part 2: Revenge' is announced at the end.

Censure for the 'Shrew' and 'Weeping' Gangs

Actors Manoj Joshi and Ashok Pandit collectively referred to the film's opponents as the 'Anti-India Brigade', 'Urban Naxals', 'Liberal Jihadis', and the 'Rudali' (wailing) gang. Joshi clarified that the 26/11 attack was carried out by Pakistan, and the film exposes all those conspiracies.

"All the shrews have come out with the release of the film 'Dhurandhar'... The Anti-India Brigade sitting inside the country has been rattled."

Ashok Pandit recounted the history of opposition to nationalist films like 'The Kashmir Files', 'Uri', 'Gadar', and 'The Kerala Story', asserting that these protestors are 'Paid Agents of Pakistan' whom the country has now united to silence.

Rakesh Bedi Credits His Role Preparation

Rakesh Bedi, who played an important role in the film, spoke about his preparation for the Pakistani character. He mentioned watching speeches of several Pakistani politicians, mixing their content, and preparing his own speeches. He also took a jab at the critics who were unable to digest 'Dhurandhar's phenomenal success.

Historic Box Office Success

On the commercial front, the film 'Dhurandhar' has created new history. The film has achieved a net collection of ₹351.75 crore in India so far, while its total worldwide box office collection has reached ₹530.75 crore. In terms of India Gross, 'Dhurandhar's' total gross collection stands at ₹420.75 crore, which reflects the film's massive success. This film has surpassed many major and highly anticipated movies, including 'Pushpa 2', 'Chhaava', 'Stree 2', 'Animal', 'Gadar 2', 'Jawan', 'Saiyaara', 'Baahubali 2', 'The Kashmir Files', and 'Pathaan'.

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In conclusion, 'Dhurandhar' is not just a film, but a glimpse into the bitter reality where terror, crime, and power are intertwined. It also portrays that today, India has a government that has the courage to give a befitting reply. This is why 'Dhurandhar' has moved from the screen to become a discussion in the real world—and perhaps that is its biggest victory.

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