Mumbai: Even as filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar continues to spark debate for its portrayal of real-life figures and events, a surprising endorsement has emerged from across the border. A close friend of the late Pakistani gangster Rehman Dakait, on whom Akshaye Khanna’s character is based, has publicly praised the film, calling it an important cinematic portrayal rooted in reality.
Set in Lyari, a troubled suburb of Karachi notorious for gang violence in the early 2000s, Dhurandhar blends fiction with historical context. While the film has drawn criticism from certain political quarters in Pakistan, the remarks by Rehman Dakait’s friend have added a new dimension to the ongoing discussion around the movie’s authenticity and intent.
Praise from Rehman Dakait’s close associate
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Habib Jan Baloch, a lawyer and Baloch nationalist who claims to have been a close friend of Rehman Dakait, is seen sharing his views on the film. Speaking to a reporter, Baloch revealed that he has watched Dhurandhar twice and expressed appreciation for Bollywood’s effort.
“I won’t talk about the character. This is what happens in films. Had there been a few more songs, it would have been better,” Baloch remarked with a touch of humour. He then went on to add a line that has caught widespread attention: “What Pakistan did not do, India’s Bollywood did. Thank you, Bollywood!”
His comments have resonated strongly online, especially among audiences who have followed the film’s controversy and box office journey.
‘Rehman was not a villain’
While praising the film, Baloch strongly disagreed with the portrayal of Rehman Dakait as a villain. According to him, the real-life gangster was viewed very differently by many in Lyari.
“He was a hero, a good man. Pakistan is indebted to him,” Baloch said. He further argued that Rehman Dakait and Uzair Baloch played a decisive role in maintaining a certain balance of power in the region during a volatile period. “Had Rehman and Uzair Baloch not been there, Pakistan’s face would have been like Bangladesh today, or even worse,” he claimed.
Baloch, who said he was friends with Rehman nearly two decades ago, also clarified that he did not see Dhurandhar as a film targeting any specific political party or ideology, despite the backlash it has received in some circles.
Political criticism in Pakistan
Dhurandhar has not been without controversy in Pakistan. Members of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have criticised the film, alleging that it presents the party in an unfavourable light through its depiction of political patronage and law enforcement failures in Lyari.
These criticisms have fuelled debates on social media and television panels about whether Bollywood films should portray real political and criminal histories of neighbouring countries. However, supporters of the film argue that it is a work of fiction inspired by real events and not a documentary.
About the film and its characters
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh as an Indian intelligence operative who infiltrates Rehman Dakait’s gang in Lyari during the early 2000s. Akshaye Khanna essays the role of Rehman Dakait, delivering a performance that has been widely praised for its intensity and restraint.
The film also features Sanjay Dutt as SP Aslam, inspired by the real-life police officer who headed the Lyari Task Force, along with R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal in pivotal roles. The narrative weaves espionage, crime, and geopolitics into a high-stakes thriller that explores the intersection of gang warfare and intelligence operations.
Massive box office success
Beyond the debates and political reactions, Dhurandhar has emerged as a major commercial success. The film has reportedly collected over ₹1,000 crore worldwide, making it the fourth-highest-grossing Bollywood film ever. Trade analysts attribute its performance to strong word-of-mouth, compelling performances, and audience interest in geopolitically rooted thrillers.
The film’s success has further amplified conversations around its subject matter, as more viewers engage with its portrayal of historical figures and contested narratives.
Conclusion
The endorsement of Dhurandhar by a close associate of the real Rehman Dakait underscores the complex legacy of figures portrayed in cinema and the varied perspectives surrounding them. While the film continues to attract criticism and praise in equal measure, such reactions highlight cinema’s power to reopen historical debates and present alternative viewpoints. As Dhurandhar continues its successful run, it remains a striking example of how fiction rooted in reality can spark dialogue far beyond the screen.