Arjun Rampal drew attention at the Mumbai launch of spy thriller “Dhurandhar” when he deliberately avoided explaining the film’s opening graphic torture sequence, leaving audiences and media questioning the extent of violence in the highly anticipated film. During the trailer launch event held at NMACC on Tuesday, the actor was directly asked about the controversial scene but chose to dodge the question, instead praising director Aditya Dhar’s vision for the project.
The trailer opens with a jarring and intense depiction of violence involving Rampal’s ISI operative character, which has already sparked significant online discussion. When pressed for details, Rampal maintained a diplomatic stance, stating: “I don’t want to talk about the scene much, because when I talk about a scene, the process, and the director’s mind, I find myself very boring. Toh uske baare me baat nahi karunga (So, I won’t do that). But I will say that today is a special day, because such a special film has been made by this man, Aditya Dhar.”
Divided Response to Violence Portrayal
The depiction of brutality in the trailer has already divided viewers online, with reactions ranging from criticism about excessive violence to appreciation for Dhar’s bold cinematic approach. Some members of the audience have voiced concerns about the graphic nature of the opening sequence, while others have commended the director for portraying uncomfortable and challenging themes in Indian cinema. This polarization sets the stage for what promises to be a conversation-starter when the film releases on December 5, 2025.
Rampal’s reluctance to elaborate on the violent scene reflects a larger pattern of secrecy surrounding the film’s content and characters. The actor’s decision to deflect suggests that the makers may be maintaining intentional ambiguity about the film’s intensity to manage expectations and controversies before release.
Character Revelation Creates Accidental Disclosure
During the same interaction at the launch event, an interesting moment unfolded when Rampal accidentally revealed crucial information about the film’s characters. While discussing co-star Ranveer Singh’s role, Rampal disclosed the main character’s name, which the trailer deliberately omits. He stated that during the two years of shooting, he “never saw Ranveer once, but only Hamza,” inadvertently confirming a significant character detail the production had kept under wraps.
Star-Studded Cast and Ambitious Scale
“Dhurandhar” brings together an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh in the lead role, alongside Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam, Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait, R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, and Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal. The supporting cast also features Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi in important roles. Reports indicate that the film has been split into two parts due to its extensive scope and ambitious scale.
Inspired by Real Events
The film draws inspiration from Operation Lyari, one of Pakistan’s longest-running covert missions conducted between 2012 and 2023. The narrative reportedly focuses on intelligence and covert aspects of the crackdown against criminal networks operating in Karachi’s Lyari district, with characters modeled after real figures who shaped this chapter of history. The film’s characters are loosely based on significant figures involved in the Lyari Gang Wars, including notorious gangster Rehman Dakait and police officer Chaudhry Aslam Khan.
Director Aditya Dhar, who wrote, directed, and co-produced the film with Jio Studios and B62 Studios, has maintained creative control throughout production. The film is set to premiere on December 5, 2025, and continues to generate substantial pre-release buzz due to both its cinematic ambition and the conversations surrounding its depiction of violence.
By – Sonali