The Indian spying thriller Dhurandhar is still making the news over the border, even though it is still prohibited in Pakistan. The controversy has taken a new turn because of a recent viral video that features Bilawal Bhutto, the chief of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), stepping into a party venue when the film's hit song FA9LA plays in the background.
Bilawal Bhutto arriving on stage | WATCH
The video, which was allegedly circulated on social media, featured Bilawal Bhutto arriving on stage and seated while the song was playing loudly. Many seemed surprised by this, especially since the movie itself was banned from being broadcast in Pakistan. FA9LA gained popularity at events and get-togethers all over the nation despite the ban.
The caption of the post says, "A song from #Dhurandhar was played during the entry of Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto — and that alone says a lot. On one hand, cases are being filed against this film in Pakistani courts. On the other hand, they’re openly playing their songs at public events."
Interestingly, the film has been accused by Bilawal Bhutto's own party. The PPP objected to the use of a picture of the late Benazir Bhutto in Dhurandhar in a petition submitted to a Karachi court. The petition, which claims the misuse of the picture, demands the submission of a formal complaint against the cast and crew of the film.
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About the ban
The film Dhurandhar mainly focused on sensitive incidents including the 1999 kandahar hijacking, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Lyari gang conflict are the main subjects. The Pakistani government has not been supportive of these topics.
So, the authorities have attempted multiple times to prevent the film from being seen by the public.
That ban hasn't been entirely successful despite all of these attempts. According to reporters, attempts to restrict the movie online have failed, and control over the digital environment has also failed. The film is still freely available on a hidden network.
Over two million unlicensed copies of Dhurandhar are said to have been sold in Pakistan in just two weeks. As a result, it has broken the previous records set by Shah Rukh Khan's Raees and Rajnikanth's 2.0 to become the most pirated film in the nation.
Even though the film's producers may have lost between 50 and 60 cr as a result of the ban, the film was still enjoyed in Pakistan. Despite all odds, the film's themes and messages have become well-recognised, proving that public interest in it continues to grow.
About the film
Bahraini musician Nawaf Fahed, also known as by his stage name flipperachi, sings FA9LA. The song is connected with Akshaye Khanna's Character, Rehman Dakait, an underworld don in the film. Since the film's premiere, the character has received a lot of love. Ranveer Singh plays an Indian spy who travels to Pakistan to destroy a terrorist network in the film Dhurandhar. Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, and Rakesh Bedi are also in the film.