Shazia Iqbal's Scathing Critique of Dhurandhar Sparks Industry Debate
In a bold and unflinching statement, Shazia Iqbal, the director of the romantic drama Dhadak 2, has launched a scathing attack on the blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh. Iqbal, who made her directorial debut last year, has labeled the film as "sinister" and accused it of deliberately inciting hate and violence, while also criticizing what she perceives as the film industry's apathy toward India's minorities.
Iqbal's Instagram Outburst and Allegations
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Shazia Iqbal did not mince words in her critique. She wrote, "What a sinister film! It’s not hidden, it’s not unintentional – inciting hate and violence is in the DNA of the film. But it’s a ‘well made’ film guys… With some cool BgM. Well done industry dude bros. Glad that most of y’all don’t care about minorities enough to even hide your blatant apathy." This post, though not explicitly naming Dhurandhar, was widely interpreted as targeting the film, especially after she shared a screenshot of a direct message that referenced both Dhadak 2 and Dhurandhar in the same context.
The DM she shared questioned the comparison between the two films, with the sender humorously suggesting that people might have "schizophrenia" for linking them, or perhaps that individuals are more complex than rigid categorizations allow. This indirect reference, coupled with the timing of Dhurandhar's recent release on Netflix India, solidified the connection to Iqbal's earlier remarks.
Broader Criticism Extends to The Kerala Story 2
Shazia Iqbal's critique did not stop at Dhurandhar. She also directed her remarks toward the teaser of The Kerala Story 2, the upcoming sequel to the 2023 blockbuster. In an Instagram Story, she shared the teaser with the audio of AR Rahman's patriotic track "Ye Jo Des Hai Tera" from the film Swades, starring Shah Rukh Khan, implying a pointed commentary on the narrative and messaging of such productions.
Additionally, Iqbal reposted a discussion highlighting the dangers of social media in spreading misinformation and prejudice, drawing a stark comparison to the propaganda tactics of Nazi Germany. This move underscores her broader concerns about the role of media and entertainment in shaping public perception and fostering divisive narratives.
Box Office Success vs. Critical Backlash
Dhurandhar, co-produced by Jyoti Deshpande-led Jio Studios and Aditya and Lokesh Dhar’s B62 Studios, has achieved monumental success at the box office. The film, which features a star-studded cast including Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, revolves around Ranveer Singh's character, an Indian spy infiltrating a Pakistani terror network to avenge past attacks on India. It has earned over Rs 890 crore domestically and over Rs 1400 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the domestic box office and the fourth highest-grossing globally.
In contrast, Dhadak 2, Shazia Iqbal's directorial debut backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, tells the story of a romance between a Dalit man (Siddhant Chaturvedi) and an upper-caste woman (Triptii Dimri). Despite receiving unanimously positive reviews from critics, the film managed to earn only Rs 22.45 crore at the domestic box office, highlighting a stark disparity in commercial success compared to Dhurandhar.
Industry Reactions and Ongoing Debate
Shazia Iqbal's comments have ignited a heated debate within Bollywood and among audiences. Her use of the term "industry dude bros" points to a critique of what she sees as a male-dominated, insular industry culture that prioritizes commercial success over social responsibility. By calling out the alleged "blatant apathy" toward minorities, she raises important questions about representation and narrative ethics in Indian cinema.
As Dhurandhar continues to dominate streaming platforms and box office records, and with The Kerala Story 2 on the horizon, Iqbal's remarks serve as a provocative reminder of the power of film to influence societal attitudes. Whether her critique will lead to broader discussions or changes in the industry remains to be seen, but it has certainly added a new layer of controversy to the ongoing discourse around Bollywood's role in contemporary India.
