Netizens have reacted with fury after the director "liked" a provocative post on X that compared the film's massive audience to Nazis.

The controversy began when a social media user shared a critique of Dhurandhar, suggesting that the film's popularity among the masses was reflective of "darker ideologies," specifically drawing a parallel between the movie's viewers and Nazi supporters. When Bhardwaj's official handle was seen liking the post, it immediately triggered a wave of backlash from fans of the film and its lead star, Ranveer Singh.

Netizens were quick to call out the filmmaker for what they perceived as an insult to the general public. The hashtag #BoycottVishalBhardwaj began trending, with many accusing the director of being "elitist" and "out of touch" with the pulse of the country.

The reaction from the online community was swift and uncompromising. Many users pointed toward Bhardwaj's own filmography, which often explores gritty, gray, and politically charged themes. "It's ironic that a filmmaker who specializes in dark narratives is labeling the audience this way," one viral post read.

Some of the more extreme reactions saw users comparing the director's own works to "sympathizing" with radical groups, highlighting the deep polarization currently gripping the film industry. The phrase "Your movies are ISIS sympathisers" began appearing in various comment threads, reflecting the intense and often volatile nature of the debate.

This incident adds another chapter to the ongoing tension between "parallel cinema" creators and the makers of "mass entertainers." While Bhardwaj has not yet issued an official statement regarding the "like," the damage in the court of public opinion seems significant. As Dhurandhar continues its dominant run at the box office, this digital spat serves as a stark reminder of how a single social media interaction can escalate into a national conversation.