What Did Shazia Iqbal Say?
Filmmaker Shazia Iqbal has sparked controversy on social media after she publicly criticized Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh. The director of the upcoming film Dhadak 2 posted her concerns on Instagram Stories, sparking a heated debate in the industry and among fans.
Strong Words Against the Blockbuster
In her Instagram Stories, Iqbal did not mention the name of the film but referred to it as “sinister,” which she believed was promoting hate and violence. Although she appreciated the high production quality of the film, she criticized the industry’s indifference towards minorities. Her posts quickly went viral as screenshots of her Instagram Stories were shared on all social media platforms.
Social Media Backlash
The backlash was immediate and fierce. Users on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram began analyzing Iqbal’s past work, including her association with Sacred Games and Housefull 2. People criticized her for having double standards, wondering why she did not have similar reservations about content in her previous projects.
In the middle of this controversy, Iqbal made her Instagram account private, blocking all users from viewing her posts and comments.
Industry Voices Weigh In
The issue has also elicited responses from a number of key personalities within the film industry. Acclaimed film director Anurag Kashyap felt a certain discomfort with some of the ideological elements of Dhurandhar, giving the example of some of the dialogue lines such as “This is the new India.” Kashyap felt that such dialogue lines were not required in the narrative and questioned why they were included in the first place.
Actor Hrithik Roshan offered a rather nuanced perspective on the issue when he said that he did not agree with the political overtones of the film but was impressed with the technical and cinematic elements of the film.
Dhurandhar’s Commercial Success
Despite the controversy, Dhurandhar has been a huge commercial success. The movie has already earned over ₹1,328 crore at the box office before premiering on Netflix. The movie, directed by Aditya Dhar and boasting an ensemble cast that includes Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, has been a huge hit with audiences.
The production company has announced that a sequel is set to release on March 19, 2026.
The Larger Debate
This particular incident has reignited the debate about the role of filmmakers in handling sensitive topics. The issue of artistic freedom, representation, and the role of films in shaping public opinion has been at the heart of this debate.
While there are people who support Iqbal’s views and are grateful to her for speaking out, there are also people who feel that this kind of selective outrage is not very productive. This particular debate is reflective of the divided world in which the Indian film industry operates.
Looking Ahead
As Shazia Iqbal readies herself for the release of Dhadak 2, it is likely that the controversy surrounding her statement will follow her. Whether this particular incident will affect the success of her next film is yet to be determined.
However, the success of Dhurandhar and the interest in the sequel suggest that the film has a certain appeal that is not affected by the controversy. The entertainment industry is walking a tightrope between artistic freedom and social responsibility in a world that is rapidly becoming vocal and interconnected.
