The release of the trailer for Ranveer Singh's anticipated film, 'Dhurandhar', has sparked considerable debate, particularly over the graphic violence depicted in it. Prominent YouTube personality Dhruv Rathee expressed his disapproval of the trailer, comparing its extreme violence to ISIS beheadings, igniting a significant discussion regarding cinematic violence and its implications. Rathee’s controversial remarks were immediately met with reactions from both fans and fellow public figures, notably from actor Ranvir Shorey, resulting in a heated online exchange.
The trailer showcases an intense scene that involves a man being tortured with wires, which Rathee argued normalizes brutality and sends a damaging message to audiences. He criticized the film’s director, Aditya Dhar, stating that the depiction of such violence is in poor taste and reflects a disturbing trend in Bollywood. On social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Rathee claimed that the Censor Board needs to evaluate its priorities, questioning whether it is more concerned with censorship of romance than with the depiction of gruesome violence.
As the dialogue unfolded, online users recalled Rathee's previous accolades for the film 'Gangs of Wasseypur', which also features explicit violence. This led many to challenge his current stance, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in his perspective regarding cinematic violence. In response, Rathee acknowledged that his views have evolved over time, admitting, "I was wrong; back then I didn’t understand the impact such films have on society."
The discourse intensified when Ranvir Shorey joined the fray, criticizing Rathee's remarks by suggesting that he often misjudges situations. Shorey’s comments were met with mixed reactions, as many fans sided with him, while others accused him of seeking attention through the debate. Rathee retaliated with a personal jab, referencing Shorey's reality TV background. Shorey, asserting his position, maintained that Rathee was undermining the film's integrity and the director’s artistry.
'Dhurandhar', set to be released on December 5, 2025, features a star-studded cast that includes Ranveer Singh alongside notable actors Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Sanjay Dutt. The film's intense themes and notable visuals have already drawn significant public interest, but the controversy surrounding its trailer reveals a deeper societal conversation regarding the representation of violence in media and the responsibilities of filmmakers.
As discussions about censorship, artistic freedom, and social impact continue, 'Dhurandhar' stands as a focal point for examining how such themes are navigated within the entertainment industry, revealing the complex relationship between creators, critics, and audiences in today’s digital landscape.