PPP Worker Files Petition Against Indian Film Dhurandhar Over Use of Benazir Bhutto Images

PPP Worker Files Petition Against Indian Film Dhurandhar Over Use of Benazir Bhutto Images

KARACHI: A Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) worker, Muhammad Aamir, has approached the court of the District and Sessions Judge (South) against the Indian film Dhurandhar, alleging the unauthorised use of images of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, PPP flags, and political rally footage in the film’s official trailer.

According to the petition, the visuals were used without permission, prompting the petitioner to seek registration of an FIR against Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar and producers Lokesh Dhar and Jyoti Deshpande.

The plea also names prominent Bollywood actors including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Beni. In addition, cinematographer Vikas Nulakha, editor Shiv Kumar V Panicker, and other unidentified members of the film’s crew have been cited for their alleged role in the production.

The petitioner claims that the trailer features footage of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, PPP party flags, and political rallies, which he argues violates legal and political rights due to the lack of prior approval.

The controversy has sparked political reactions as well. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon criticised Dhurandhar, calling it “negative propaganda” aimed at portraying Lyari in a negative light.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Memon stated: “Lyari is not violence—it represents culture, peace, talent, and resilience. Next month, Mera Lyari will be released, highlighting the area’s true image of peace, prosperity, and pride.”

The petition is currently under consideration, and the court is expected to decide on further legal proceedings in the coming days.