The explosive trailer for Aditya Dhar’s upcoming spy thriller ‘Dhurandhar‘ has ignited intense online discussions, but surprisingly, the most vocal criticism came from an unexpected quarter—popular YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee. Known for his analytical takes on social and political issues, Rathee unleashed a scathing attack on the film’s depiction of violence, going so far as to compare it to “ISIS beheadings” and accusing the director of having “unhinged lust for money.”
The four-minute trailer, featuring Ranveer Singh in a never-before-seen aggressive avatar, has generally received praise for its high-octane action and slick production values. However, Rathee’s strong critique has opened up a broader conversation about creative expression, violence in cinema, and whether certain narratives trigger stronger reactions based on their political undertones.
The ‘Dhurandhar’ Trailer: Reception and Public Response
Released on November 18, 2025, the ‘Dhurandhar’ trailer presents Ranveer Singh as a covert operative on a dangerous mission within Pakistan’s terror underworld. The supporting cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, adds layers to this robust plot inspired by real events exploring terrorism and India’s intelligence efforts .
The trailer’s reception among general audiences has been largely positive, with particular praise for its technical achievements:
- Editing and Pacing: Many viewers appreciated the trailer’s construction, with one social media user noting, “Give the editor of this trailer his flowers – a four-minute cut without revealing much about the film, exciting introductions of the cast, powerful dialogues, packed with action and brutality!”
- Performances: Akshaye Khanna’s screen presence has been highlighted as particularly standout, with one fan commenting, “Akshaye Khanna absolutely stands out from everyone else in the trailer…what a brilliant and truly versatile actor he is!”
- Comparisons to ‘Animal’: Several viewers drew parallels to another intense Bollywood film, with one stating, “After Animal, #Dhurandhar is the only trailer that’s giving me I-CAN’T-MISS-IT-IN-THEATRE vibes” .
Despite the enthusiasm, some voices expressed concern about the level of violence, with stand-up comedian Amit Tandon requesting, “‘Dhurandhar’ trailer is too gory. Can we please cut out the first 15 seconds?” . These concerns about the graphic content have led to discussions about how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) might handle the film’s certification .
Table: Public Reaction to Dhurandhar Trailer
| Aspect | Positive Reactions | Critical Reactions |
|---|---|---|
| Violence & Action | “Power-packed, fiery, and impactful” | “Too gory”; concerns about CBFC intervention |
| Editing & Technicals | Praised as “brilliant” and “cinematic” | Limited criticism of technical elements |
| Performances | Ranveer Singh’s “fierce avatar” and Akshaye Khanna’s impact widely appreciated | Not a focus of criticism |
| Overall Impact | Called “wild” and “unmissable” | Comparisons to ‘Animal’ in both positive and concerned contexts |
Dhruv Rathee’s Explosive Critique
While most discussions centered on the film’s artistic and entertainment value, Dhruv Rathee took a distinctly different approach in his criticism, launching an intense personal attack on director Aditya Dhar.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rathee didn’t mince words: “Aditya Dhar has truly crossed a limit of cheapness in Bollywood. The extreme violence, gore and torture shown in his latest film trailer is the equivalent of watching ISIS beheadings and calling it ‘entertainment.’ His lust for money is so unhinged that he is willingly poisoning young minds” .
This strong statement stands in stark contrast to Rathee’s previous stance on violent content. Critics were quick to point out that Rathee had “happily accepted money from Netflix India to promote Gangs of Wasseypur, a gore-drenched epic filled with cleaver attacks, bullet-ridden bodies, rape threats, chopped limbs, and graphic revenge killings,” which he had called “essential viewing” . This apparent double standard has become a central point in the debate surrounding his comments.
The Political Context of Rathee’s Criticism
Rathee’s critique appears to extend beyond mere cinematic analysis into the political subtext of the film’s narrative. ‘Dhurandhar’ showcases Pakistan’s ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) as the antagonist force, depicting them torturing an Indian asset . This portrayal seems to have triggered Rathee’s strong reaction.
According to an analysis by The Commune, “When violence exposes the ISI—Rathee’s selective conscience wakes up” . The publication suggests that Rathee’s extensive following in Pakistan might influence his stance, noting that his “commentary has consistently framed India as the villain and Pakistan as the misunderstood neighbour” .
This isn’t the first time Rathee has found himself at the center of controversy. Earlier in May 2025, he faced significant backlash from the Sikh community for posting an AI-generated thumbnail in a video about Sikh history, which led to him eventually removing the content . With over 29 million subscribers on his main YouTube channel and significant influence across social media platforms, Rathee’s opinions often generate strong reactions from both supporters and detractors.
Aditya Dhar and the ‘Dhurandhar’ Vision
Director Aditya Dhar, best known for the critically acclaimed ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ (2019), appears to be continuing his tradition of creating high-intensity patriotic films with ‘Dhurandhar’. The film is described as exploring “terrorism and India’s unwavering efforts to ‘infiltrate the very core of terrorism in Pakistan'” .
The filmmaker has assembled an impressive ensemble cast for this project:
- Ranveer Singh as the primary protagonist, appearing in a transformative role with long hair and intense demeanor
- R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, chief of Indian Intelligence described as the ‘Charioteer of Karma’
- Akshaye Khanna as ‘Apex Predator’ Rehman Dakait
- Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, the ‘Angel of Death’
- Sanjay Dutt as ‘The Jinn’
This casting choice has been praised by viewers, with one social media user noting, “The casting choice clearly shows the director knew what he was doing. Everyone is INSANE” .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ‘Dhurandhar’ about?
‘Dhurandhar’ is an upcoming spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, inspired by real events. The film explores terrorism and India’s intelligence efforts to “infiltrate the very core of terrorism in Pakistan.” It features Ranveer Singh as a covert operative alongside a stellar cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal .
Why is Dhruv Rathee criticizing the film?
Dhruv Rathee has strongly criticized the ‘Dhurandhar’ trailer for its extreme violence, comparing it to “ISIS beheadings.” He accuses director Aditya Dhar of having “unhinged lust for money” and “poisoning young minds” through the graphic content .
How have people reacted to Rathee’s comments?
Reactions have been divided. While some share Rathee’s concerns about violence, many others have pointed out what they see as hypocrisy, noting that Rathee has praised other violent films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ in the past. Some analysts suggest his criticism may be influenced by the film’s portrayal of Pakistan’s ISI .
When will ‘Dhurandhar’ be released?
The film is scheduled to release in theatres on December 5, 2025 .
How violent is the ‘Dhurandhar’ trailer?
The trailer contains intense scenes of violence and gore, including torture sequences. This has led to discussions about whether the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) might require cuts or assign an ‘A’ certificate to the film .
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding ‘Dhurandhar’ and Dhruv Rathee’s criticism highlights the complex intersection of cinema, politics, and social commentary in today’s media landscape. While the trailer has generated significant excitement among audiences eager for a raw, uncompromising theatrical experience, it has also sparked important conversations about creative responsibility and the depiction of violence in media.
As the debate continues between supporters of artistic expression and concerns about excessive violence, one thing remains clear: ‘Dhurandhar’ has already captured public attention in a way few films manage before their release. The ultimate judgment will come when audiences can view the complete film on December 5, 2025, and decide for themselves whether it crosses creative boundaries or represents a new benchmark for Indian action cinema.
What do you think about the depiction of violence in films like ‘Dhurandhar’? Is there a line that filmmakers shouldn’t cross, or should creative expression remain unchallenged? Share your thoughts on social media using #DhurandharDebate.
