Dhadak 2 Director Shazia Iqbal Takes a Step Back After Criticizing Dhurandhar as a “Sinister” Hate Film
Filmmaker Shazia Iqbal has stirred controversy in Bollywood by criticizing the spy thriller “Dhurandhar,” labeling it as “sinister” and claiming that it promotes hate and violence. Her remarks, shared on Instagram, have ignited discussions among audiences and industry insiders, particularly following the film’s successful release and its recent debut on Netflix. Iqbal’s comments highlight concerns about the impact of such narratives on minority communities.
Shazia Iqbal’s Critique of “Dhurandhar”
Shazia Iqbal, who made her directorial debut with “Dhadak 2,” took to Instagram to express her disapproval of “Dhurandhar.” Although she did not mention the film by name in her initial post, her message was accompanied by the film’s title track, making her target clear. In her Instagram Story, she described the film as “sinister,” asserting that its intent to incite hate and violence is inherent to its narrative. Iqbal’s comments have resonated with many, prompting a broader conversation about the responsibilities of filmmakers in portraying sensitive topics.
The film “Dhurandhar,” directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh, was released in December 2025. It quickly became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films at the domestic box office. The plot revolves around an Indian spy infiltrating a terror network, with a star-studded cast that includes Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun. Despite its commercial success, Iqbal’s critique raises questions about the ethical implications of its content.
Industry Reactions and Implications
Iqbal’s remarks did not stop at “Dhurandhar.” She also referenced the teaser for “The Kerala Story 2,” a sequel to a film that had previously sparked controversy. Her comments reflect a growing concern within the industry regarding the portrayal of minority communities in mainstream cinema. Iqbal’s sarcastic tone in her posts directed at her peers suggested a frustration with what she perceives as a lack of accountability among filmmakers. She remarked, “But it’s a ‘well made’ film guys… With some cool BgM (smile emoji). Well done industry dud bros. Glad that most of y’all don’t care about minorities enough to even hide your blatant apathy.”
This critique has not only drawn attention to “Dhurandhar” but has also highlighted a larger issue within Bollywood regarding the representation of sensitive themes. As discussions continue, industry professionals and audiences alike are left to ponder the implications of such narratives on societal perceptions and the responsibilities of filmmakers.
Shazia Iqbal’s Social Media Response
Following the backlash from her comments, Shazia Iqbal made her Instagram account private, suggesting that the response to her critique may have been overwhelming. The decision to limit her social media presence could indicate her desire to avoid further scrutiny or backlash from both fans and industry colleagues.
The ongoing debate surrounding “Dhurandhar” and Iqbal’s comments underscores the complex relationship between cinema and societal issues. As the film continues to perform well on platforms like Netflix, the discussions initiated by Iqbal may influence future projects and the way filmmakers approach sensitive subjects. The conversation around the responsibilities of filmmakers in addressing hate and violence in their narratives is likely to persist, prompting both audiences and creators to reflect on the impact of their work.
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