Dhruv Rathee Challenges Extremely Violent Dhurandhar Trailer

Post by : Mina Rahman

The recent trailer for Aditya Dhar's new film, Dhurandhar, has ignited passionate reactions from viewers, showcasing a blend of espionage thrills and intense violence. Released to much anticipation, it features graphic depictions of torture and bloodshed that delve into the grim realms of crime and espionage. While some audiences celebrate its exhilarating intensity, others are less pleased.

Content creator and commentator Dhruv Rathee has publicly condemned the trailer for its excessive violence, calling out director Aditya Dhar for what he perceives as unnecessary and extreme content. Shortly after the trailer's release, Rathee expressed his discontent on Twitter (now X), stating, “Aditya Dhar has crossed the line in Bollywood’s portrayal of violence. This trailer's brutality, akin to witnessing ISIS executions, should not be considered entertainment.”

He further elaborated, “His desire for profit appears so extreme that he risks corrupting the minds of the youth, desensitizing them toward violence and glorifying extreme torture.” Rathee called upon the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) to assess the material, commenting, “This is a pivotal moment for the Censor Board to evaluate whether they have stronger reservations about affectionate scenes or witnessing horrific acts of violence.”

Starring Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy in Pakistan, Dhurandhar also features notable performances from Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan. The trailer presents several shocking moments, notably one where Arjun Rampal, in the role of an ISI Major, is shown skinning a person alive, alongside scenes of Akshaye Khanna portraying a Lahore gangster violently attacking another character.

Despite Rathee's criticisms, many fans seem to embrace the intense violence as part of the film’s allure. Online responses have celebrated the film's dark atmosphere, thrilling action, and haunting background score. One viewer commented, “The energy, the mood, it feels like a new chapter in Indian music is unfolding.” Another urged the CBFC to permit an unedited viewing experience, asserting, “The trailer sets a precedent; the film should reflect that authenticity. NO CUTS NO BLURS.”

The trailer launch was held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, graced by director Aditya Dhar, Ranveer Singh, and other cast members. With a theatrical release scheduled for December 5, Dhurandhar is poised to become one of the year's most controversial action films, sparking dialogues around cinematic violence, censorship, and the sensitivities of viewers.