Pakistan Seeks FIR Against Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna Over Film Dhurandhar

December 13, 2025

Karachi, Pakistan: A petition was filed in Karachi on Friday, alleging that the Indian film “Dhurandhar” used images of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) flags, and footage of party rallies without permission.

The petition also alleges that the film portrays the PPP as a terrorist party. The petition was filed by PPP worker Muhammad Amir in the District and Sessions Court (South) in Karachi.

The petitioner has demanded that an FIR be registered against the film’s director, producer, actors, and others involved in the film’s promotion and production.

The petition names the film’s lead actor Ranveer Singh, along with Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Beni, director Aditya Dhar, and producers Lokesh Dhar and Jyoti Kishore Deshpande.

The most controversial footage includes the use of images of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the flags of Pakistan and the PPP.

The petition states: “Damage to Pakistan’s image.”

According to the petitioner, the film’s official trailer shows images of Benazir Bhutto and scenes related to the PPP without legal permission. The petition also alleges that the film depicts the PPP as a supporter of terrorism.

Furthermore, the Lyari area of ​​Karachi is depicted as a “battleground for terrorists,” which the petitioner claims is defamatory, misleading, and damaging to Pakistan’s image.

In the film, Akshaye Khanna’s character, Rehman, is shown as a bandit who receives support from the PPP.

The petitioner approached the court after the police refused to register a case.

Muhammad Amir stated that the film spreads hatred, is insulting, and promotes animosity against the PPP, its leaders, and supporters. He cited sections 499, 500, 502, 504, 505, 153-A, and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deal with defamation, criminal intimidation, inciting riots, and promoting enmity between different groups.

The petitioner stated that he had previously filed a written complaint with the Darakhshan Police Station House Officer (SHO), but the police neither registered a case nor took any legal action, forcing him to approach the court.

‘Dhruva’s’ Release Affected Due to Ban in Gulf Countries

The Bollywood film ‘Dhruva’ is performing well in India and abroad, but it has been banned in several Middle Eastern countries.

The film was not granted permission for release in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to reports, the film was deemed “anti-Pakistan” in these countries, leading the Gulf censorship authorities to withhold approval for its release.

Films on Pakistan-Related Themes Have Faced Bans Before

This is not the first time an Indian film has faced such difficulties. Several films dealing with Pakistan-related themes have been banned in Gulf countries before.

Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s 2024 film ‘Fighter’ also faced problems in the Gulf. Initially, it was banned in all Gulf countries except the UAE.

Some Pakistani organizations objected to the film’s portrayal of the Pulwama attack, calling it “anti-Pakistan propaganda.” Following this, ‘Fighter’ was suspended in the UAE as well, just one day after its release.

Earlier this year, Akshay Kumar’s ‘Sky Force’ and John Abraham’s ‘The Diplomat’ also faced bans in several Middle Eastern countries due to their Pakistan-related content.