Is Pakistani Drama 'Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat' Inspired by Indian Hit 'Dhurandhar'?

Emerging Controversy Over New Pakistani Drama

The Indian film series Dhurandhar has recently gained international attention, leading to the debut of a Pakistani television drama titled Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat. Set to premiere on March 29, 2026, on Green Entertainment, this new show has quickly captured the interest of viewers, sparking debates about its possible connections to the Dhurandhar franchise. Clips from the drama have gone viral on social media, prompting Indian audiences to voice their critiques regarding its authenticity and accuracy.

Directed and written by Hussain Sahab, Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat, which translates to "Hell towards Paradise," features a talented cast including Jawed Sheikh, Umer Aalam, Momina Iqbal, and Bushra Ansari. The storyline revolves around Pakistan's attempts to counteract operations by the Indian intelligence agency, RAW. However, the show has faced backlash for its lack of detail, with viewers pointing out inaccuracies, such as a scene mistakenly showing Mumbai's sealink as the RAW headquarters in New Delhi. One viewer commented, "Weak detailing, it's Mumbai yawr."

Criticism has also been directed at the dialogue, with many noting that the Indian characters use overly complex Urdu phrases that feel unnatural. One viewer highlighted the unrealistic use of terms like "Mukhalif," arguing that such language does not reflect typical Indian speech. This has sparked a wider conversation about the show's production values, with some questioning its budget and overall quality, dubbing it a "Pakistani response to Dhurandhar."

Jawed Sheikh, who stars in Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat, is familiar to Bollywood audiences from films like Namastey London and Om Shanti Om. His participation has drawn mixed reactions, with some social media users criticizing him for leveraging his Bollywood success to create a series perceived as anti-India. This reflects the growing tensions surrounding the representation of India and Pakistan in media, especially amid current political climates.

In a related development, the Sindh Information Department of Pakistan previously denounced Dhurandhar as "propaganda," announcing their own film, Mera Layari, which aims to portray a more genuine narrative about the region. The department stated that while Dhurandhar promotes a particular agenda, Mera Layari will highlight the cultural richness and resilience of Lyari, countering violent portrayals. As both nations navigate their intricate relationship through media, the discussions surrounding these productions continue to evolve.