The debate surrounding Ranveer Singh's blockbuster film franchise *Dhurandhar* has taken a fresh turn after a Pakistani journalist publicly defended the movie's portrayal of Karachi's notorious Lyari region.
As discussions continue over whether the film presents an accurate depiction of events or advances a particular political narrative, the journalist's remarks have drawn significant attention on both sides of the border.
The comments came from Pakistani journalist Arif Aajakia, who was born and raised in Lyari and later served as an elected mayor in Karachi during the period portrayed in the film. Speaking during a discussion at Talk Journalism 2026, Aajakia stated that the events and conditions depicted in *Dhurandhar* closely reflected the reality he personally witnessed while living in the area.
The statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation around the film, which has faced criticism from some commentators who argue that it presents an exaggerated or politically motivated picture of Pakistan. However, Aajakia's firsthand account has provided support for the filmmakers' portrayal of Lyari and its association with criminal networks during that period.
Released in December 2025, *Dhurandhar* emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes in Indian cinema. Directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film dramatized the rise of organized crime syndicates operating in Karachi's Lyari district and explored India's counter-terrorism efforts against such networks. The film's blend of action, political intrigue, and real-world references helped it attract massive audiences across multiple markets.
The success of the first installment led to the release of *Dhurandhar 2* in March 2026. The sequel continued the story and further expanded the franchise's narrative, maintaining strong box-office momentum and widespread public interest. Together, the two films reportedly crossed ₹3,100 crore in worldwide box-office collections, making the franchise one of the most successful film series of recent years.
Despite its commercial success, the franchise has remained at the center of debate due to its portrayal of sensitive geopolitical and security-related issues. Critics have questioned whether the films present a balanced perspective on events in Pakistan, while supporters argue that the movies are based on documented incidents and historical realities.
During his interaction with journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, Arif Aajakia strongly defended the depiction of Lyari shown in the films. Drawing upon his personal experiences, he stated that the conditions portrayed in *Dhurandhar* matched the reality of the period when criminal groups exerted significant influence in parts of Karachi.
Aajakia said that he had served as an elected mayor in Karachi during the era covered by the film and therefore possessed firsthand knowledge of the situation. According to him, the depiction of events and conditions shown in *Dhurandhar* accurately reflected what was taking place in Lyari at the time.
His comments are considered particularly significant because Lyari has long been known as one of Karachi's most troubled neighborhoods, with periods marked by gang violence, criminal activity, and political instability. Over the years, the area has frequently featured in discussions regarding law and order challenges faced by Pakistan's largest city.
The journalist also made a personal revelation during the discussion that attracted additional attention. Aajakia disclosed that although he was born in Karachi, his parents were originally from Junagadh in Gujarat. He stated that he considers himself to be of Indian origin despite being born and raised in Pakistan.
His remarks quickly gained traction on social media, where supporters of the *Dhurandhar* franchise cited them as validation of the film's narrative. Meanwhile, critics of the movie argued that individual opinions should not be viewed as definitive proof of historical accuracy and continued to call for more nuanced portrayals of complex regional issues.
The discussion surrounding *Dhurandhar* highlights the growing influence of cinema in shaping public conversations about history, politics, and security. Films inspired by real-world events often generate strong reactions because audiences interpret them not only as entertainment but also as commentary on contemporary issues.
For director Aditya Dhar and lead actor Ranveer Singh, the franchise has represented a major career achievement. The films have been praised for their production scale, storytelling, action sequences, and performances, while also generating widespread debate regarding their subject matter.
Ranveer Singh's portrayal of the central character received particular acclaim from audiences and critics alike. The actor's performance helped establish *Dhurandhar* as one of the defining cinematic projects of his career and reinforced his position among Bollywood's leading stars.
The latest comments from Arif Aajakia are expected to fuel further discussion about the franchise and its representation of events linked to Karachi and Lyari. As the debate continues, *Dhurandhar* remains a rare example of a commercial blockbuster that has managed to influence conversations extending far beyond the world of entertainment.
With both films continuing to attract attention months after their release, the franchise appears likely to remain part of broader discussions about cinema, geopolitics, and the portrayal of real-world events for the foreseeable future.