Shazia Iqbal's Instagram Critique of Dhurandhar Ignites Social Media Firestorm
Filmmaker Shazia Iqbal, known for her work on projects like Dhadak 2, has stirred a significant online controversy with her recent comments about Aditya Dhar's blockbuster film Dhurandhar. The director took to Instagram to share her unfiltered opinion, describing the Ranveer Singh-led Netflix release as "sinister" without directly naming the movie, sparking widespread debate across social media platforms.
Shazia Iqbal's Instagram Story Sparks Immediate Backlash
Through her Instagram stories, Shazia Iqbal expressed strong disapproval of Dhurandhar, writing: "What a sinister film! It's not hidden, it's not unintentional, inciting hate and violence is in the DNA of the film." She further elaborated, "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." Her remarks quickly circulated online as screenshots spread across various platforms.
Netizens React Strongly to Shazia's Comments
Social media users on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) were quick to respond to Shazia Iqbal's critique. One user pointedly questioned: "Did Shazia Iqbal watch her own project 'Sacred Games' for the first time? Or was it 'Houseful 2'?" referencing her previous work as a production designer. Another commenter added: "I genuinely think she wants to be cool but we all know what Dhurandhar is." The online reaction highlighted the polarizing nature of both the film and Shazia's commentary.
Anurag Kashyap and Hrithik Roshan Weigh In
Shazia Iqbal isn't alone in expressing reservations about Dhurandhar's political elements. Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently shared his perspective, stating: "I liked the film, but I didn't like some of the ideologies. The dialogue about 'This is the new India' and one long political monologue, among a total of three scenes, were unnecessary; even without them, the film's impact would not have diminished."
Adding to the nuanced discussion, actor Hrithik Roshan shared his appreciation for the film while acknowledging its political dimensions. He wrote: "I may disagree with the politics of it, and argue about the responsibilities us filmmakers should bear as citizens of the world. Nevertheless, can't ignore how loved and learnt from this one as a student of cinema. Amazing."
About the Controversial Film Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar features an impressive ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt. The film achieved remarkable commercial success during its theatrical run, amassing over Rs 1328 crore globally before making its streaming debut on Netflix. The franchise continues with Dhurandhar 2, scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026, ensuring the conversation around the series remains relevant in the entertainment landscape.
