The blockbuster action film 'Dhurandhar,' directed by Aditya Dhar, tells a gripping story set in Pakistan. However, in a fascinating twist of production logistics, not a single frame was actually shot in Pakistan or even in India's film capital, Mumbai. The entire Pakistani locale, specifically the Lyari town sequences, was meticulously constructed and filmed in Thailand.
The Logistical Pivot: From Mumbai Rains to Thai Plains
Originally, the film's makers had planned to shoot the crucial Lyari portions in Mumbai. However, unpredictable weather and untimely rainfall posed a significant threat to the tight shooting schedule. Seeking controlled conditions to avoid costly delays, the production team made a last-minute strategic decision. They chose to relocate the shoot and build the entire set from the ground up in Thailand.
This move ensured the team could work without weather-related interruptions, a critical factor for a project with a strict timeline. The shift highlights the complex planning and adaptability required in large-scale filmmaking, where nature can often rewrite the best-laid plans.
Building an Authentic Lyari from Scratch
Creating a believable Lyari in a foreign country was a monumental task undertaken by a collaborative crew. Indian and Thai technicians worked hand-in-hand to construct the sprawling town set. The goal was absolute authenticity; the makers were determined it should feel like a real, lived-in neighborhood, not just a temporary film set.
To achieve this, the set designers went to extraordinary lengths. They sourced genuine Urdu newspapers and vintage Pakistani posters to dress the streets and walls, ensuring every visual detail resonated with realism. One of the biggest challenges was completely erasing any visual hint of Thailand from the frame. The team meticulously scouted angles and dressed locations to ensure no Thai script, architecture, or foliage was visible.
The production designers employed advanced aging techniques, creating weathered walls, layers of peeling posters, and faded paint to simulate the organic decay of a bustling urban area. This attention to detail is what sells the illusion, making audiences believe they are truly in the heart of Lyari.
A Box Office Juggernaut
The immense effort behind the scenes has clearly paid off at the ticket windows. 'Dhurandhar' has been a massive commercial success, raking in enormous numbers since its release. According to a Sacnilk report, the film's total collection currently stands at a staggering Rs 376.02 crore.
Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Supporting actors like Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, Manav Gohil, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon, Gaurav Gera, and Naveen Kaushik round out the impressive roster. The film stormed into theaters on December 5, 2025.
The story of 'Dhurandhar's' production is a testament to modern filmmaking—where borders are blurred by creativity, and a piece of Pakistan can be convincingly born in Thailand, all in the pursuit of cinematic authenticity that resonates with audiences worldwide.
