Is Dhurandhar Based On True Story? Ranveer Singh's Film Traces Its Roots To Karachi’s Lyari Gang

Dhurandhar trailer introduces a cast of strong characters who are all connected to the film's compelling story. Major Iqbal (Arjun Rampal), a man fixated on "making India bleed," is introduced as the Angel of Death in the first scene. Ajay Sanyal (R. Madhavan), who is modelled after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, plays the Charioteer of Karma. He is certain that infiltrating Pakistan, especially Lyari, which is referred to as the 'very core of terrorism,' is necessary to put an end to terrorism. 

Dhurandhar trailer then introduces Abdul Rehman Baloch, formerly known as Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna), as the Apex Predator, followed by SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, a real-life Karachi counterterrorism officer who is portrayed as The Jinn and whose legacy is significant. Ranveer Singh, also known as The Wrath of God, is at the centre of this combustible universe, sent to destroy the terror networks thought to have their roots in Lyari. This lineup has fueled growing rumours that Dhurandhar is based on real happenings related to the Lyari gang in Karachi.

Dhurandhar Based On TRUE Story

Dhurandhar is based on real-life incidents, as per the makers. They haven't disclosed the precise procedure, however, probably due to security concerns. This maintains a connection to the actual history of Indian espionage while allowing for cinematic storytelling. Ranveer Singh starrer reportedly draws inspiration from Operation Lyari, one of Pakistan’s longest-running covert operations. This large-scale operation (between 2012 and 2023) involved Pakistani intelligence agencies entering and destroying a major gang network operating in and around Karachi. 

All About Operation Lyari?

The 2012 operation, which was led in stages by the Sindh Police and encounter specialist Chaudhry Aslam, was unsuccessful due to strong opposition and a high death toll. The government paramilitary Pakistan Rangers fought against the established crime networks in a more vigorous and persistent campaign between 2013 and 2014. Over the course of a decade, investigators pursued and ultimately dismantled the group. 

The area's and Karachi's overall crime rates significantly decreased as a result of the operation. It used to be one of the most hazardous cities in the world. In the operation, Uzair Jan Baloch was captured by Interpol in late 2014 while in Dubai, while Rehman Dakait was assassinated in a police confrontation in 2009. At the moment, he is being held at Karachi Central Jail. In 2017, Baba Ladla was shot and died. 

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All About Karachi's Lyari Gang

Lyari, one of Karachi's oldest neighbourhoods, was formerly a quiet, lower-class neighbourhood known for its African-American population and their passion for football, according to Hindustan Times. However, with time, it transformed into a conflict zone. It became similar to a hotspot for the trafficking of weapons and drugs.

(Image: YouTube)

The report claimed that Rehman Dakait ruled the underworld of Lyari. He was formerly regarded as a Robin Hood and was close to the former PM of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. While his group engaged in prostitution, kidnapping, and drug and alcohol sales, he oversaw schools and hospitals. He had 33 dens for illicit operations like drug sales, gambling, and local beer trafficking in Lyari alone. Rehman Dakait tightened his hold on the region and won Lyari over with his wealth.

Given its proximity to the Baloch region, it is quite likely that India attempts to seize control of the escalating gang conflicts in Lyari in an effort to bolster the Baloch militants and manage the flow of weapons to the rebels and drugs away from India, as per Redditors' claim.

Due to its enormous scope, there have been rumours that the movie will be released in two parts, making it one of Bollywood's most eagerly awaited action epics of 2025.

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What To Expect From Dhurandhar?

Dhurandhar, which honours the unsung soldiers of India's intelligence community, is expected to be both violently patriotic and emotionally explosive. Aditya Dhar's directorial, which explores India's intelligence world from the viewpoint of the nation's top security wits, seems to combine the grit of espionage with the emotional weight of patriotism with its blend of rock-infused background score and action-packed sequences.