Dhurandhar ( Aditya Dhar )

[rangeelaraja]

29 minutes ago, coffee_rules said:

Pakistan andt

six Gulf countries have banned this movie so most of the Pakistani’s in these countries will never see the movie. This movie is not made for Pakistani to see their bad side but for Indian 0 .5 front it’s still raves about pakistan as nostalgia for them. It is for those who have special love for Pakistan for some reason even after so many terrorist attacks on India they love Pakistan. It is for them. 
 

I I also agree that Hollywood has been doing propaganda since the 60s. Especially on that communist enemies.  Bond movies., Many action movies like Rambo and Arnold. We’re all propaganda movies for CIA and the US deep state. Bond always thwarted world dominating villains from communist countries because holy CIA are the West should be the one terminating the world.

 

 

Urdu writers in Bollywood have been doing subtle propaganda against Hinduism for decades. 

 

Hindu practices like puja, fasting, temple visits, and ideas like parampara or sanskaar are often mocked or dismissed as superstition, empty ritual, or social control. Pandits are frequently shown as greedy or manipulative, and characters openly say things like praying to idols is pointless or only benefits priests. Hindu faith, especially through mothers, is shown as sincere but useless. 

 

At the same time, Islam is rarely treated that way. Muslim characters are almost never mocked for their beliefs. Instead, they’re often calm, ethical, and humane. Mosques and Muslim neighborhoods repeatedly show up as places of refuge or moral clarity in films like Deewar, Zanjeer, and Sholay.

 

In Coolie, the number 786 is treated almost like divine protection, something Hindu symbols rarely get. Even in Amar Akbar Anthony, people notice that the Muslim character gets poetry, emotional depth, and moral seriousness, while Hindu identity feels more ritualistic and shallow.

 

And then **** stereotypes like " Havas ka Poojari" ...try saying " Havas ka Mullah/ Moulvi "  and you would have the likes of Arfa Khanum and her ilk crying discrimination.

 

I stopped watching Bollywood for a long time ...except for rare movies not written by Urduwood writers.

 

 

 

Edited December 18, 2025 by rangeelaraja

[ravishingravi]

I like the fact that they used "Ishq Ishq" song formerly by Rafi in context of love for nation. Ishq as a word has been bolllywoodized to certain romantic contexts. But in fact, it need not be romantic love at all. It can also love for nation. It's passion for nation more than love. Although some might say that's Junoon. 

 

 

Edited December 18, 2025 by ravishingravi

[Laaloo]

8 hours ago, sorak said:

This has been my motto for at least last 4 years. Every last benefit of doubt have been eroded by their actions home and abroad. LW, RW, Progressive, Liberal, Moderate, Woke are just labels. Like you, I  and many, would have reached a similar conclusion. I will ally with any label if it is against them. I take cognizance of the fact that there are thousands of citizens just like Mariyam. I also realize and live with the policy that such citizens do not have to prove their allegiance. Only thing I feel is that they need to condemn anti-India activities more vehemently. I know the consequences for them, but something must be done in that direction strongly. One recent example of such a thought process - There is a Korean immigrant in Europe who exposes abrahamic islam1st agenda on a daily basis and when questioned - says "this is a fight I will not back down for I do not want to live like a slave".

And that Korean was arrested recently lol. Says a lot about freedom of speech.

[Laaloo]

1 hour ago, rangeelaraja said:

 

 

Urdu writers in Bollywood have been doing subtle propaganda against Hinduism for decades. 

 

Hindu practices like puja, fasting, temple visits, and ideas like parampara or sanskaar are often mocked or dismissed as superstition, empty ritual, or social control. Pandits are frequently shown as greedy or manipulative, and characters openly say things like praying to idols is pointless or only benefits priests. Hindu faith, especially through mothers, is shown as sincere but useless. 

 

At the same time, Islam is rarely treated that way. Muslim characters are almost never mocked for their beliefs. Instead, they’re often calm, ethical, and humane. Mosques and Muslim neighborhoods repeatedly show up as places of refuge or moral clarity in films like Deewar, Zanjeer, and Sholay.

 

In Coolie, the number 786 is treated almost like divine protection, something Hindu symbols rarely get. Even in Amar Akbar Anthony, people notice that the Muslim character gets poetry, emotional depth, and moral seriousness, while Hindu identity feels more ritualistic and shallow.

 

And then **** stereotypes like " Havas ka Poojari" ...try saying " Havas ka Mullah/ Moulvi "  and you would have the likes of Arfa Khanum and her ilk crying discrimination.

 

I stopped watching Bollywood for a long time ...except for rare movies not written by Urduwood writers.

 

 

 

Don't forget Ramu Kaka

[Lord]

Sorry

 

 

[zen]

9 hours ago, Lone Wolf said:

Propaganda is crucial in this day and age.  Hollywood cracked this a long while ago and have continued to do so for long.

If we consider,Dhurandhar as a Propaganda movie will have zero effect in Pookistan. 

Most Pakistanis one meets in Europe, UAE, USA are pleasant and smart, if not in the broader context of friendship, at least in the narrower context of business.  They are educated, suave, well travelled. They represent the top layer of Pakistani society  and this is what most Indians would come in contact with.

 

Dhurandhar is unique in that regard that it shows bottom of the barrel and what actual random Pakistani is like in Pakistan.  

No Indian liberal/ R winger  has met a Rehman Dakait, Kasab or a Maj.Iqbal and lived to tell the tale.  In my opinion it is especially made to open the eyes of Indians what is it you are dealing with.

 

India and Pakistan are not just two different nations  they represent two different civilizations and world views. Never the twain shall meet. 

Dhurandhar is a gangster-crime drama film which Bollywood has dished out many in the past. This one takes place in Pakistan instead of in Dharavi/Mumbai or whatever. What it does is weave in some real life events into the story. 
 

I haven’t met one person (people with depth, not jerks) whose love or hate for Pakistan has increased or decreased because of this film.

 

 

[kepler37b]

3 hours ago, zen said:

Dhurandhar is a gangster-crime drama film which Bollywood has dished out many in the past. This one takes place in Pakistan instead of in Dharavi/Mumbai or whatever. What it does is weave in some real life events into the story. 
 

I haven’t met one person (people with depth, not jerks) whose love or hate for Pakistan has increased or decreased because of this film.

 

 

The underlying themes of the movie subtly criticize aspects of hindu inaction to islamic aggression. It also preaches, subtly again, to make a concerted effort at hitting back. It also dumps into the dustbin the concept of ganga jamuna vadaa paav concept.

 

It DOES differ a lot from run of the mill gangster films.

[Gollum]

3 hours ago, zen said:

Dhurandhar is a gangster-crime drama film which Bollywood has dished out many in the past. This one takes place in Pakistan instead of in Dharavi/Mumbai or whatever. What it does is weave in some real life events into the story. 
 

I haven’t met one person (people with depth, not jerks) whose love or hate for Pakistan has increased or decreased because of this film.

This movie has opened the eyes of many Gen Z kids who didn't live through the UPA era (or at least weren't aware) when terror attacks were weekly occurrences. 

Edited December 19, 2025 by Gollum

[coffee_rules]

Watched it two sittings. Sorry it was a cam print as I am not capable of going to Theatres to watch movies. One of  the best movies of the year. I had read too many reviews and reaction videos of right wing and left-wing influencers and here on ICF as well, I had too much expectation. It just felt short of my expectation, especially the climax. But a great craft of storytelling by the director, editing, BGM, music, it was a wholesome entertaining movie. Nobody mentioned Rakesh Bedi he was one of the highlights of the movie. 
 

all good, but one of my pet peeves is the language of actors. It was a Hindustani movie I was expecting. Some Punjabi accent or Bloch or Sindhi accent of Pakistanis. But for that and the climax, the movie was pitch perfect looking forward for the sequel.

 

and another thing is that Akshay Khanna. He is overhyped by the audience in general. I found that he had the same expression throughout the movie, the same smug, smug, expression that he always has in all movies, even in  Chaava as Aurangzeb. He looks menacing and all, but I think he is a very limited actor with all fluffy packing. Ranveer Singh acted very well in the movie and had shown all the right emotion.

Edited December 19, 2025 by coffee_rules

[kepler37b]

42 minutes ago, coffee_rules said:

Watched it two sittings. Sorry it was a cam print as I am not capable of going to Theatres to watch movies. One of  the best movies of the year. I had read too many reviews and reaction videos of right wing and left-wing influencers and here on ICF as well, I had too much expectation. It just felt short of my expectation, especially the climax. But a great craft of storytelling by the director, editing, BGM, music, it was a wholesome entertaining movie. Nobody mentioned Rakesh Bedi he was one of the highlights of the movie. 
 

all good, but one of my pet peeves is the language of actors. It was a Hindustani movie I was expecting. Some Punjabi accent or Bloch or Sindhi accent of Pakistanis. But for that and the climax, the movie was pitch perfect looking forward for the sequel.

 

and another thing is that Akshay Khanna. He is overhyped by the audience in general. I found that he had the same expression throughout the movie, the same smug, smug, expression that he always has in all movies, even in  Chaava as Aurangzeb. He looks menacing and all, but I think he is a very limited actor with all fluffy packing. Ranveer Singh acted very well in the movie and had shown all the right emotion.

Bruuhh..take rest. No need to review any movies now.

 

 

[kepler37b]

 

Cannot get enough of this song. Music is proper "go and conquer" coded. 

 

 

 

 

[Lord]

5 minutes ago, kepler37b said:

 

Cannot get enough of this song. Music is proper "go and conquer" coded. 

 

 

 

 

 

looks like they have remixed 3-4 Punjabi songs atleast

[Lord]

51 minutes ago, coffee_rules said:

Watched it two sittings. Sorry it was a cam print as I am not capable of going to Theatres to watch movies. One of  the best movies of the year. I had read too many reviews and reaction videos of right wing and left-wing influencers and here on ICF as well, I had too much expectation. It just felt short of my expectation, especially the climax. But a great craft of storytelling by the director, editing, BGM, music, it was a wholesome entertaining movie. Nobody mentioned Rakesh Bedi he was one of the highlights of the movie. 
 

all good, but one of my pet peeves is the language of actors. It was a Hindustani movie I was expecting. Some Punjabi accent or Bloch or Sindhi accent of Pakistanis. But for that and the climax, the movie was pitch perfect looking forward for the sequel.

 

and another thing is that Akshay Khanna. He is overhyped by the audience in general. I found that he had the same expression throughout the movie, the same smug, smug, expression that he always has in all movies, even in  Chaava as Aurangzeb. He looks menacing and all, but I think he is a very limited actor with all fluffy packing. Ranveer Singh acted very well in the movie and had shown all the right emotion.

 

I am also delaying due to not being able to go outside (coz of weather). Will wait for OTT release

 

Tried CAM print but couldn't watch past first scene.

[kepler37b]

 

 

 

RGV approves

[Gollum]

Rana, Arfa are so rattled because of this movie. Even Pakistanis don't seem to have that many grievances but our Sharia Bolsheviks are having the funniest and craziest meltdowns. 

[ravishingravi]

37 minutes ago, kepler37b said:

 

 

 

RGV approves

 

Aditya is soo my generation. Millennials growing up in 80s and 90s in India know what he is talking about. 

[kepler37b]

10 minutes ago, ravishingravi said:

 

Aditya is soo my generation. Millennials growing up in 80s and 90s in India know what he is talking about. 

I am that generation too...

[kepler37b]

24 minutes ago, Gollum said:

Rana, Arfa are so rattled because of this movie. Even Pakistanis don't seem to have that many grievances but our Sharia Bolsheviks are having the funniest and craziest meltdowns. 

..Sharia bolsheviks.hats off to you if you invented it...

[Gollum]

7 minutes ago, kepler37b said:

..Sharia bolsheviks.hats off to you if you invented it...

Common hai, has been in use for the last 20 years at least.

Edited December 19, 2025 by Gollum

[zen]

5 hours ago, kepler37b said:

The underlying themes of the movie subtly criticize aspects of hindu inaction to islamic aggression. It also preaches, subtly again, to make a concerted effort at hitting back. It also dumps into the dustbin the concept of ganga jamuna vadaa paav concept.

 

It DOES differ a lot from run of the mill gangster films.

The motivation of the key character can be different but at its core it is a gangster film. Here the Hamza or Mirza (can’t recall the name) is basically trying to control the underworld and politics. And in the next part, he may even rise to become someone (like in Manchurian Candidate, PS Btw a similar concept is used in Fleming’s novel Moonraker as well where a Nazi switches identify with a British soldier, pretends to amnesia, and rises to become a British hero only to …).

India agents, covertly or officially, operate in Pakistan, in Afghanistan, etc.  Tons of Hindu solders have sacrificed their lives for India across multiple wars. 

 

It appears as if to perceive Hindu action, it would constitutes acting like Islamic type extremists and shouting through loud speakers at temples. 
 

PS let’s not forget how Hindus in BD were generally neglected (left on their own) in 2024. 

 

 

 

Edited December 19, 2025 by zen