Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia has sparked a significant controversy by labeling Ranveer Singh's action-thriller 'Dhurandhar' as "disgusting" in a recent social media statement, while bhatia alleged that the film, directed by Aditya Dhar, propagates a message of hatred and revenge rather than providing constructive entertainment. According to his video post, the narrative lacks logical reasoning and relies heavily on emotional manipulation to provoke the audience. This criticism comes despite the film's commercial success across theaters and digital platforms.
Background and Commercial Performance
Directed by Aditya Dhar, 'Dhurandhar' was released in cinemas on December 5, 2025. Featuring Ranveer Singh in a lead role, the film was marketed as a high-octane action-thriller. Since its debut, it has garnered substantial box office collections and received praise from a segment of the audience for its production scale and performances. Following its theatrical run, the film maintained a top position on OTT rankings. However, Bhatia's public rejection of the film's core message has shifted the focus toward its thematic content.
Allegations of Promoting Hatred and Revenge
In his video message, Sabeer Bhatia emphasized that the plot of 'Dhurandhar' revolves primarily around themes of vengeance, while he stated that the sequences and dialogues within the film deliver a message of hate, which he finds problematic for social harmony. Bhatia argued that the film offers nothing intellectually stimulating and is designed solely to trigger emotional reactions. He further claimed that the project demonstrates "zero creativity" and relies on senseless violence to drive the narrative forward.
Concerns Regarding Youth and Logical Thinking
Bhatia expressed specific concerns regarding the impact of such cinema on the younger generation. He stated that society should encourage young people to think logically and creatively rather than reacting purely on an emotional basis. According to Bhatia, 'Dhurandhar' fails to empower viewers and instead focuses on provocation, while he urged the public to reject the film, suggesting that mindless revenge stories don't constitute genuine entertainment and can foster a negative mindset among children.
Critique of Stereotyping Nations and Institutions
The tech entrepreneur also criticized the film for its portrayal of nations and institutions. Bhatia argued that the film views entire countries through a singular, biased lens without acknowledging the nuances of human behavior. He noted that while individuals can be good or bad, stereotyping entire nations is a flawed approach. He questioned the entertainment value of senseless killings depicted in the film, stating that such portrayals promote a regressive worldview that ignores the complexities of real-world geopolitical relations.
Social Media Reaction and Warning
Accompanying his video, Bhatia wrote a caption warning audiences that modern films are often crafted to agitate rather than empower. He advised viewers to remain cautious of content that prioritizes provocation over substance. His remarks have triggered a polarized debate on social media platforms, with some users supporting his stance on cinematic responsibility, while others defend the film as a work of fiction intended for mass entertainment. The production team of 'Dhurandhar' has yet to issue an official response to these allegations.