PPP Accuses Film Dhurandhar of Defamation, Files Court Petition Over Trailer Controversy
Introduction
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has moved to the courts after accusing the upcoming Indian film Dhurandhar of defaming the party and damaging Pakistan’s image. The controversy arose after the release of the film’s official trailer, which allegedly shows unauthorised images of the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the PPP party flag, and real footage from party rallies.
According to PPP representatives, the trailer does not only misuse political symbols but also presents the party as being supportive of terrorist elements. The issue has now become a serious legal and political matter, with a constitutional petition filed in a Karachi court seeking criminal action against the film’s makers and cast.
This article explains the full background of the Dhurandhar trailer controversy, the legal petition filed by PPP, the accusations involved, relevant laws, and why the case is important for politics, media ethics, and Pakistan’s international image.
What Is the Dhurandhar Film Controversy?
The controversy began when the trailer of the Indian film Dhurandhar was released online. Soon after its release, PPP activists noticed scenes that allegedly included:
- Images of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto
- The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) flag
- Footage resembling real PPP political rallies
- Scenes portraying Karachi’s Lyari area as a “terrorist war zone”
PPP leaders and supporters claim that these visuals were used without permission and were shown in a negative and misleading context.
According to the petition, the trailer creates the impression that the PPP is sympathetic to terrorists, an allegation the party strongly denies and calls defamatory.
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Who Filed the Petition and Where?
The constitutional petition was filed by Muhammad Amir, a Pakistan Peoples Party activist, in the District and Sessions Court (South), Karachi.
Muhammad Amir stated that before approaching the court, he had already submitted a written complaint to the SHO of Darakhshan Police Station, requesting legal action against those responsible for the trailer. However, when police allegedly failed to register an FIR or take action, he decided to seek judicial intervention.
What Does the Petition Demand?
The petition filed in the Karachi court makes several key demands:
- Immediate registration of an FIR against all individuals involved in the creation and promotion of the film Dhurandhar.
- A transparent and impartial investigation under the supervision of SSP South Karachi.
- Inclusion of all responsible individuals—including directors, producers, actors, and technical staff—in the investigation.
- Legal action under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) related to defamation, hatred, and incitement.
The petitioner argues that the court must intervene to protect political parties, national leaders, and Pakistan’s image from misrepresentation.
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Who Has Been Named in the Petition?
The petition names several prominent figures from the Indian film industry as proposed accused, including:
Film Director and Producers
- Aditya Dhar (Director)
- Lokesh Dhar (Producer)
- Jyoti Kishore Deshpande (Producer)
Actors Named
- Ranveer Singh
- Sanjay Dutt
- Akshaye Khanna
- Arjun Rampal
- R. Madhavan
- Sara Arjun
- Rakesh Beni
Technical Crew
- Vikash Nolcha (Cinematographer)
- Shiv Kumar V. Panicker (Editor)
- Other unnamed crew members associated with the film
According to the petitioner, all these individuals played a role in producing or promoting content that allegedly defames the PPP.
Allegations of Defamation Against PPP
One of the strongest claims in the petition is that the film trailer portrays the Pakistan Peoples Party as being supportive of terrorists. PPP leaders argue that this portrayal is false, baseless, and deeply damaging.
The petition states that such content:
- Harms the reputation of PPP as a mainstream democratic party
- Misleads international audiences about Pakistan’s political reality
- Creates hatred and contempt against PPP workers and supporters
- Undermines the sacrifices made by PPP leadership in the fight against extremism
PPP officials emphasize that the party has lost leaders, workers, and supporters in terrorist attacks and has consistently opposed terrorism.
Objection Over Benazir Bhutto’s Images
Another major objection raised in the petition is the unauthorised use of images of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister.
According to the petitioner:
- Benazir Bhutto’s images were used without consent from her family or party
- The visuals were placed in a controversial and negative narrative
- This amounts to disrespecting a national leader and martyr
PPP maintains that Benazir Bhutto’s legacy cannot be used for commercial or political storytelling without proper legal approval.
Lyari Portrayal and Karachi’s Image
The petition also strongly criticises the depiction of Lyari in the film trailer. Lyari is shown as a “terrorist war zone,” which the petitioner argues is misleading and harmful.
PPP supporters say that:
- Lyari has a rich cultural and political history
- Such portrayals stigmatise Karachi and its residents
- The depiction damages Pakistan’s image internationally
They argue that films should not generalise entire areas as violent or terrorist without factual basis.
Laws Cited in the Petition (Pakistan Penal Code)
The petitioner has cited several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including:
- Section 499 – Defamation
- Section 500 – Punishment for defamation
- Section 502 – Printing or engraving defamatory material
- Section 504 – Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
- Section 505 – Statements conducing to public mischief
- Section 153-A – Promoting enmity between groups
- Section 109 – Abetment
According to the petition, the trailer violates these laws by spreading hatred, false narratives, and political provocation.
Why This Case Matters Politically
This case is not just about one film trailer. It has wider political and social implications:
- It raises questions about cross-border media responsibility
- It highlights how political parties can be portrayed in international films
- It sets a precedent for legal action against defamatory content
- It reflects Pakistan’s sensitivity regarding its political history and leaders
PPP leaders argue that silence on such matters could encourage further misuse of Pakistan’s political symbols.
Freedom of Expression vs Defamation
A key debate emerging from this controversy is the balance between freedom of expression and defamation laws.
While filmmakers have the right to creative expression, PPP supporters argue that:
- Creative freedom does not allow distortion of facts
- Political parties cannot be falsely linked to terrorism
- National leaders’ images cannot be used without consent
Legal experts say courts will likely examine whether the trailer crosses the legal line from fiction into defamation.
What Happens Next?
The court will first decide whether to accept the petition and issue directions to the police. Possible next steps include:
- Court-ordered registration of an FIR
- Summoning of police officials for explanation
- Initiation of a formal investigation
- Possible diplomatic and legal implications
The case may take time, but it has already drawn attention from political circles and media observers.
Public and Political Reactions
PPP workers have welcomed the legal action, calling it necessary to protect party dignity. Some political analysts believe the issue could escalate into a larger debate about how Pakistan is portrayed in foreign films.
So far, no official response has been issued by the filmmakers or actors named in the petition.
Conclusion
The Dhurandhar trailer controversy has triggered a serious legal challenge in Pakistan, with the Pakistan Peoples Party accusing the film of defamation, misuse of political imagery, and misrepresentation of Pakistan.
By filing a constitutional petition in a Karachi court, PPP aims to hold filmmakers accountable and send a clear message that political defamation and unauthorised use of national leaders’ images will not be tolerated.
As the case proceeds, it may become a landmark example of how courts balance artistic freedom with legal and ethical responsibilities in politically sensitive content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did PPP file a petition against the film Dhurandhar?
PPP filed the petition because the film’s trailer allegedly used images of Benazir Bhutto, PPP flags, and rally footage without permission. The party also claims the trailer falsely portrays PPP as supportive of terrorists, which it says is defamatory.
2. Which court is hearing the Dhurandhar case in Pakistan?
The petition has been filed in the District and Sessions Court (South), Karachi, where the petitioner has requested the court to order police to register an FIR and begin a proper investigation.
3. Who has been named in the PPP petition against Dhurandhar?
The petition names director Aditya Dhar, producers Lokesh Dhar and Jyoti Kishore Deshpande, and actors including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan, along with other crew members.
4. What laws does PPP claim were violated by the film trailer?
PPP has cited multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including defamation, promoting hatred, provoking public disorder, and creating enmity between groups under Sections 499, 500, 502, 504, 505, 153-A, and 109.
5. What action does PPP want the court to take?
PPP has requested the court to order immediate registration of an FIR, ensure a transparent investigation under the SSP South, and hold all responsible individuals accountable for allegedly defamatory and misleading content.
