Why is Pakistan Struggling to Contain the Success of 'Dhurandhar'?
Box Office Triumph Amidst Controversy
The film Dhurandhar continues to perform well at the box office despite being banned in Pakistan and several Gulf countries. Its success is notable, especially as the ISI faces significant challenges back home.
This movie, which explores the 1999 Khandahar hijacking, the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, and the Lyari gang wars, has not been well-received by the Pakistani authorities, who have made efforts to suppress it. However, their attempts to control the narrative in the digital realm have largely failed.
In just two weeks, over 2 million illegal downloads of the film have been recorded in Pakistan, making it the most pirated film in the country, surpassing titles like 2.0 and Raees. Although the ban may have cost the filmmakers between Rs 50-60 crore, the film has effectively communicated the message of Pakistan's status as a terror state.
While many in Pakistan may be indifferent to the film's portrayal of their country, it represents a psychological victory for India, which has successfully disseminated its message despite the ban. The depiction of Lyari has particularly angered Pakistani officials, prompting them to expedite the production of a film that presents a more favorable view of the area.
Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh's Senior Provincial Minister for Information, expressed on X, "The Indian film Dhurandhar is yet another instance of negative propaganda against Pakistan, especially targeting Lyari. Lyari embodies culture, peace, talent, and resilience, not violence. Next month, Mera Lyari will showcase the true essence of Lyari: peace, prosperity, and pride. #MeraLyari."
Despite the ISI's efforts to monitor online discussions surrounding the film, they have been unable to regain control. Numerous torrents and piracy links are circulating widely, allowing viewers to download the movie.
Experts in the Dark Web are utilizing servers in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia to facilitate illegal downloads for Pakistani viewers. Many are accessing the film through Telegram channels, underground streams, and VPNs. The film's status as the most pirated title indicates the ISI's failure to manage the situation, with their blackout attempts proving ineffective.
Officials suggest that the spike in downloads reflects a strong curiosity among the Pakistani populace regarding the film.
While some viewers may disagree with the film's narrative, many have praised the performances. Social media is abuzz with reels and memes related to the movie.
Accounts linked to the ISI and ISPR have been sharing clips from the film to ridicule India's narrative, attempting to spin the content with misleading narratives.
Agencies report that ISI-affiliated social media accounts are trying to manipulate the film's content to align with local perspectives. The urgency surrounding the release of Mera Lyari in January, coupled with the ISI's frantic attempts to suppress Dhurandhar, suggests a defensive posture from Pakistan.
The growing curiosity about the film and its rapid illegal downloads further highlight the ISI's shortcomings, as noted by experts.
Additionally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has initiated legal proceedings in a Karachi court, challenging the use of images of the late Benazir Bhutto in Dhurandhar. The petition seeks to file an FIR against the film's cast and crew.
The film stars Ranveer Singh as Hamza, an Indian spy who infiltrates Lyari to dismantle terror networks supported by the ISI. The cast also features Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi.