The Indian film industry is currently witnessing a heated debate following sharp remarks made by director Shazia Iqbal. Known for her work on the romantic drama Dhadak 2, Shazia Iqbal has drawn significant attention after sharing her unfiltered critique of the blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, recently arrived on Netflix after a record breaking run at the box office. However, the online reaction to the filmmaker’s assessment has been swift and intense.

Shazia Iqbal Labels Dhurandhar a Sinister Film

The controversy began when Shazia Iqbal posted a series of cryptic yet pointed messages on her Instagram Stories. While she did not explicitly name the movie in her initial post, she utilized the film’s title track and background music as a clear indicator of her subject. She described the project as a sinister film and argued that inciting hate and violence is deeply embedded in its DNA.

Her criticism extended beyond the content of the movie itself. She aimed her words at industry peers, whom she referred to as industry dude bros, accusing them of blatant apathy toward minority communities. Shazia Iqbal suggested that the technical brilliance and high quality production values of such films are often used to mask troubling underlying messages. This stance has polarized fans and critics alike, especially since Dhurandhar is currently the highest grossing Indian film at the domestic box office.

Online Backlash and Privacy Moves

Following her public statements, the director faced a wave of criticism from social media users. Many fans of the film defended the project, pointing toward its massive commercial success and its focus on national security themes. Some netizens even highlighted Shazia Iqbal’s past professional history, questioning her current stance in light of her previous work as a production designer on titles like Sacred Games.

The intensity of the negative comments led Shazia Iqbal to take a significant step. In response to the overwhelming feedback and screenshots of her stories circulating on platforms like X, she transitioned her public Instagram account to private. This move has only fueled further discussion regarding freedom of speech for filmmakers and the growing divide in how political themes are perceived in mainstream cinema.

A Divided Industry Voice on Political Themes

Shazia Iqbal is not the only prominent figure to express reservations about the ideologies within Dhurandhar. Other industry veterans have also weighed in with more measured but similar critiques. Director Anurag Kashyap previously mentioned that while he appreciated the craft of the film, he disagreed with certain ideological elements and specific monologues that he felt were unnecessary to the story’s impact.

Similarly, actor Hrithik Roshan shared a review in which he praised the filmmaking but admitted he might disagree with the politics of the piece. These varied reactions highlight a growing trend in Bollywood where high budget action films are being scrutinized more closely for their social and political messaging.

The Massive Success of the Dhurandhar Franchise

Despite the controversy, the popularity of the film remains undeniable. Dhurandhar has collected over 1328 crore globally and made history as the first Bollywood film to cross the 1000 crore mark domestically. The soundtrack has also achieved international acclaim, with the track Fa9la by Flipperachi entering the Guinness World Records after topping global charts.

The timing of this debate is particularly notable as the industry prepares for the next chapter of the franchise. The sequel, Dhurandhar 2, is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2026. It is expected to face a major box office clash with the film Toxic, starring Yash. As the release date approaches, the conversation started by Shazia Iqbal serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between commercial entertainment and social responsibility in modern cinema.