Imran Abbas slams Bollywood filmmakers over 'misuse of cinema’ after release of Dhurandhar

Bollywood’s latest film Dhurandhar has sparked huge debate about the movie promoting anti-Pakistan propaganda in the name of entertainment.

Imran Abbas, a Pakistani actor, posted on his Instagram that the filmmakers are turning cinema into “a vehicle of hatred, hostility and division.” He claimed that his remarks were not about India or Pakistan as countries, but about “dangerous misuse of cinema itself.”

“Art is meant to uplift hearts, not poison minds,” he wrote, stressing that cinema should build bridges rather than glorify prejudice. Furthermore, he pointed out, that “hatred dressed up as art may earn profits and applause, but it leaves behind scars.” Highlighting that the movie has portrayed Pakistan in a negative and stereotypical light.

He further stated that the power of big screen is far-reaching and it becomes a part of the thought process of the audience overtime. He stressed that, for this reason, filmmakers should be very careful in the message they give out in their films.

Imran had also posted on Facebook previously, condemning Pakistanis who watched and praised the film. He said that such reactions are “truly shameful.’’ Applauding Dhurandhar, he said, is not a sign of being liberal rather a loss of dignity and self-respect.

He concluded by fretting over the growing politicization of media and art, arguing that cinema should foster empathy and unity rather than deepen divisions between nations especially those, like Pakistan and India, that are already on hostile terms mostly.