The controversy surrounding the Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar has now extended beyond India’s borders, sparking a political uproar in Pakistan. The newly released film, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has drawn criticism after a senior Pakistani leader accused the filmmakers of unlawfully using images of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and misrepresenting the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in matters related to terrorism.
The newly released Indian film #Dhurandar has unlawfully used images of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and disgracefully attempted to portray the PPP as sympathetic to terrorists.
We strongly condemn this malicious distortion and urge the government to take immediate notice of… pic.twitter.com/EMpxLM0UMG— Sumeta Afzal Syed (@SumetaSyed) December 8, 2025
The dispute gained traction when Sumeta Afzal Syed, a PPP spokesperson and member of the Sindh Task Force, publicly condemned the film on her official X (formerly Twitter) account. Sharing a screenshot from Dhurandhar in which Bhutto’s face appears, Syed alleged that the filmmakers had used the iconic leader’s likeness without authorization.
According to Syed, the film not only employs Bhutto’s images without permission but also paints an inaccurate and damaging picture of the PPP’s stance on terrorism. “The newly released film has misused images of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and attempted to portray the PPP as lenient toward extremists,” she said, urging Pakistani authorities to take notice of what she described as an attempt to malign a globally respected democratic figure.
She further emphasized that the PPP has historically been a direct target of terrorism and has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of the fight against extremism. Syed’s comments reflect growing frustration among Pakistani politicians who believe that the movie’s portrayal could distort public perception and strain cross-border sensitivities.
