The Bollywood spy thriller "Dhurandhar," starring Ranveer Singh, has become a box office success in India but has also sparked debate and mixed reactions in Pakistan. The film, set against the backdrop of India-Pakistan tensions, depicts an Indian spy infiltrating networks of "gangsters and terrorists" in Karachi.

The film has earned ₹411 crore in domestic net revenue and about ₹493 crore in gross revenue in India within its first two weeks and has also made strong numbers overseas.

One of the reasons "Dhurandhar" is resonating with some Pakistani viewers is its portrayal of Karachi, particularly the Lyari area, which some viewers feel is accurate. Sadiq Suleman, a Pakistani lawyer and writer from Karachi, told Bollywood Hungama that he was "awestruck" by the film's detailing of Lyari and its authentic character portrayals. He specifically praised Sanjay Dutt's performance as Chaudhary Aslam, stating that it captured the "duality" of the real-life figure. Suleman also noted the accuracy of the set designs and atmosphere in capturing the essence of areas adjacent to Lyari.

According to Al Jazeera, critics of the film argue that its storyline is laced with ultra-nationalist political tropes and that it misrepresents history, an emerging trend in Bollywood.

Despite finding the film enjoyable as a piece of filmmaking, one Pakistani man from Karachi acknowledged that Pakistan is shown in a negative light. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the harm done by individuals rather than viewing issues solely through the lens of national identity. He separated his national feelings from his view of the film as a piece of movie-making.

Conversely, Pakistani actor Imran Abbas has strongly criticized "Dhurandhar," calling it an "anti-Pakistan propaganda piece" and condemning the film makers for turning films “into vehicles of hatred, hostility and division”. He criticized Pakistanis who watched and appreciated the film, calling their behavior "truly shameful". Abbas emphasized that cinema should "build bridges, not glorify prejudice" and "awaken empathy," rather than "poison minds".

Some viewers have also pointed out inaccuracies in the film's depiction of events and figures. One Reddit user noted that Rehman Dakait, a prominent figure in the Lyari gang wars, was not as glorified or directly connected to the ISI as portrayed in the movie.

The film has also faced legal challenges in India. The family of Major Mohit Sharma filed a petition in Delhi High Court to halt the film's release, claiming it exploited his life without their consent.

The film's release comes shortly after renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan.