Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia has strongly criticised filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s latest release, Dhurandhar, calling it “disgusting” and accusing it of promoting revenge and hatred rather than meaningful storytelling.
In a sharply worded video message shared on social media, Bhatia expressed disappointment after watching the film. He described it as emotionally charged and filled with sensationalism but lacking depth and intellectual substance.
“I just watched the movie ‘Dhurandhar’. Emotionally charged, sensationalism, drama. But where’s the intellectual component in this? All it is spreading is the message of revenge and hate. It’s disgusting,” Bhatia said in the video.
Concerns Over Messaging and Impact on Youth
Bhatia’s criticism centered on what he believes is the film’s problematic messaging. He voiced concern about the impact such content could have on younger audiences, arguing that cinema should inspire critical thinking rather than emotional overreaction.
“We don’t want our kids to be emotional reactors. We want the younger generation to be logical thinkers,” he said. “Zero creativity. I know it’s a movie, but watching senseless killings and revenge doesn’t entertain anyone. It promotes a terrible way of thinking.”
In the caption accompanying his post, Bhatia further elaborated on his stance, warning viewers to be cautious about the kind of content they consume. “Movies today aren’t made to emotionally empower you. They’re engineered to trigger you. Be cautious,” he wrote.
View this post on Instagram
Criticism of Portrayal and Storytelling
Beyond the theme of revenge, Bhatia also took issue with what he perceived as the film’s broad-brush portrayal of countries and institutions. According to him, storytelling should focus on individuals and nuanced motivations rather than framing entire nations or systems as inherently good or bad.
“Individuals are good or bad, not countries,” he stressed, suggesting that the film missed an opportunity to present a more layered and thoughtful narrative.
Bhatia argued that cinema has the power to shape public perception and societal attitudes. In his view, films should encourage reflection, empathy, and understanding instead of amplifying anger or hostility. He suggested that relying heavily on violence and revenge as central plot devices reflects a lack of creative innovation.
Star-Studded Cast and Sequel Plans
Despite the criticism, Dhurandhar has generated significant buzz, partly due to its high-profile cast. The film features prominent actors such as Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan, along with several supporting performers.
The ensemble cast and action-driven narrative have drawn attention from fans of high-intensity dramas. While reactions have been mixed, anticipation is already building for the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which is scheduled to release in theatres on 19 March 2026.
A Broader Debate on Cinema’s Role
Bhatia’s remarks have sparked a wider discussion about the responsibility of filmmakers and the influence of cinema on society. While some agree with his concerns about glorifying violence, others argue that films are a form of artistic expression and should not be overly scrutinised for their fictional narratives.
As Dhurandhar continues to make headlines, the debate over entertainment versus responsibility remains at the forefront. Whether audiences side with Bhatia’s critique or embrace the film’s dramatic intensity, his comments have undeniably added another layer to the conversation surrounding the movie.
