Shazia Iqbal Criticizes Dhurandhar as a “Sinister” Film Promoting Hate, Goes Private on Instagram

Ziya Khan February 2, 2026Last Updated: February 2, 2026

Shazia Iqbal the filmmaker is, known for directing Dhadak 2, has stirred controversy by openly criticizing the spy thriller Dhurandhar, calling it “sinister” and accusing it of “inciting hate and violence.” Her remarks, shared via Instagram Stories, have sparked significant debate within Bollywood and among audiences, especially following the film’s massive box office success and recent release on Netflix.

Released in December 2025, Dhurandhar is directed by Aditya Dhar and stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role. The film, which has become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time, follows the story of an Indian spy infiltrating a terror network. It also features an ensemble cast, including Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun.

Despite its commercial success and widespread acclaim for its action-oriented narrative, the film has also attracted criticism for its alleged portrayal of sensitive themes. Though Iqbal did not directly name the film in her initial Instagram post, she paired her comments with Dhurandhar‘s title track, making her target unmistakable.

In her Instagram Story, she condemned the film’s tone and messaging, writing, “What a sinister film! It’s not hidden, it’s not unintentional — inciting hate and violence is in the DNA of the film.”

She also criticized industry figures for ignoring the potential harm such content could have on minority communities. In a follow-up post, Iqbal sarcastically addressed her criticism to her peers in the industry, writing: “But it’s a ‘well made’ film guys… With some cool BgM (smile emoji). Well done industry dud bros. Glad that most of y’all don’t care about minorities enough to even hide your blatant apathy.”

Iqbal also referenced the teaser for The Kerala Story 2, the sequel to the 2023 film that faced widespread controversy over its depiction of sensitive social issues. By doing so, she broadened her critique to address what she perceives as a pattern of films promoting divisive narratives within Bollywood. Following the backlash and discussion surrounding her statements, Iqbal made her

Instagram account private just hours after sharing her posts. While her remarks have drawn support from some for speaking out against alleged biases in Bollywood, others have criticized her for targeting a successful film without acknowledging its broader context. As the debate continues, Iqbal’s statements highlight the ongoing tensions within the film industry over representation, creative freedom, and the social impact of storytelling.