Ranveer-Sanjay starrer Dhurandhar draws fresh family backlash
Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt’s Dhurandhar — directed by Aditya Dhar and inspired by Operation Lyari — has run into new controversy. The family of real-life cop Chaudhary Aslam, whom Sanjay Dutt plays in the film, has publicly objected to a line from the trailer that, according to them, insults Aslam’s faith and memory.
Widow condemns trailer language, warns of legal action
Noreen Chaudhary, Aslam’s widow, told the Dialogue Pakistan podcast the trailer’s line calling her late husband “the offspring of the devil and a jinn” is deeply disrespectful to their Muslim faith and to Aslam’s simple, honest mother. She said Aslam was a fan of Dutt since Khalnayak, and added that if the film maligns him or pushes anti-Pakistan propaganda she will pursue “all the legal steps” available.
“We are Muslims, and such words are disrespectful not only to Aslam but his mother,” Noreen said, stressing her readiness to take action if the portrayal is wrong.
Who was Chaudhary Aslam?
Chaudhary Aslam rose through Sindh Police from ASI in the 1980s to head the Lyari Task Force in the 2000s. He played a key role in Karachi’s crackdown on gangsters like Rehman Dakait and became a prominent — and sometimes polarising — figure in Pakistan’s fight against organised crime.
Pre-release legal trouble and court directions
The film had already faced objections before release. Parents of Major Mohit Sharma, an Ashoka Chakra awardee, moved the Delhi High Court seeking a stay, alleging their son’s story was used without permission. On December 1, 2025, the court asked the CBFC to look into the objections but allowed the film to release.
Box-office success amid the storm
Controversy hasn’t hurt Dhurandhar’s commercial run. The film opened overseas to a massive $3.83 million in its opening weekend, making it the third-biggest Bollywood opener of 2025. Distributors have also reportedly urged cinemas not to run Tuesday Rs. 99 offers for the Ranveer Singh-led film, asking venues to stick with regular pricing during weekdays to protect box office momentum.
As Dhurandhar continues its theatrical run, the clash between cinematic licence and families’ claims of misrepresentation is likely to keep the film in the headlines — and may yet lead to legal scrutiny if the Aslam family moves forward with action.
