Dhurandhar, a highly anticipated spy thriller starring Ranveer Singh, was released in theatres today, directed by Aditya Dhar. The film features a strong cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun. Despite the excitement surrounding its release, the film faced some controversy, particularly regarding its promotion and negative reviews circulating on social media.

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra defended the film against the backlash, stating on his X account, "I’ve been reading so many unnecessary negative reviews, and honestly, it’s very funny. Kya log hain… kisi ne film dekhi bhi nahi, but negativity ke liye ready hain (What kind of people are these? No one saw the film and yet they are ready to spread negativity)." He expressed confidence that the film would perform well at the box office, saying it would "set the box office on fire."

The film's narrative revolves around a covert operation led by IB Chief Ajay Sanyal, played by R. Madhavan, who recruits Ranveer Singh's character to infiltrate a terrorist network. Critics have noted that Dhurandhar stands out for its realistic portrayal of espionage, contrasting with the more commercial approach often seen in Bollywood spy films. The film has been praised for its strong character development and intense action sequences, with Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna receiving particular acclaim for their performances.

However, the film's release was not without legal challenges. The family of late Major Mohit Sharma, a decorated officer, claimed that Dhurandhar mirrors his life and sought a stay on its release. They alleged that the film was based on his undercover missions without their permission. The director clarified that the film is fictional and not based on Major Sharma's life. The Delhi High Court ultimately closed the petition, allowing the film to be released while advising the Central Board of Film Certification to consider the family's concerns.

Trade experts predict that Dhurandhar could earn between ₹15 crore to ₹20 crore on its opening day, despite the mixed reviews and controversies surrounding it. As audiences flock to theatres, the film's performance will be closely watched in the coming days.