18 March 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : An actor from the upcoming film Dhurandhar has responded to criticism and online trolling after his role as a hijacker in the movie sparked controversy on social media. The performer clarified that he is neither Pakistani nor connected to terrorism in real life, urging people not to confuse his on-screen role with his personal identity.
The backlash began after a teaser or promotional clip from the film circulated online. In the clip, the actor appears as a hijacker, portraying a tense scene that forms part of the movie’s storyline. Some viewers reacted strongly and began speculating about the actor’s nationality and background.
Addressing the controversy, the actor stated that he is simply playing a fictional character as part of his profession. He emphasized that actors often portray different types of roles, including villains, criminals or controversial characters, and these portrayals should not be mistaken for their real-life personalities.
He explained that the purpose of acting is to bring diverse characters to life on screen, whether they are heroes or antagonists. According to him, assuming that an actor shares the beliefs or identity of a character they portray shows a misunderstanding of the nature of filmmaking.
The actor also said that some social media comments falsely labeled him as Pakistani or associated him with extremist groups. He rejected those claims, saying they were baseless and unfair. He urged audiences to judge performances within the context of the film’s narrative rather than spreading misinformation.
The film Dhurandhar is expected to feature intense action and dramatic storytelling, with characters representing various sides of a conflict. Like many action thrillers, the movie includes antagonists whose roles are essential to driving the plot forward.
Industry observers say that controversies surrounding film characters have become more common in the era of social media, where clips and screenshots can quickly go viral without full context. As a result, actors sometimes face criticism or harassment for roles that are purely fictional.
Many filmmakers and performers have previously spoken about the importance of separating art from reality. Acting often requires portraying complex or negative characters in order to tell compelling stories.
Supporters of the actor have also defended him online, pointing out that judging performers for playing villains could discourage creative storytelling. They argue that films depend on a variety of characters to create drama and tension.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the challenges actors face in today’s digital environment. Social media platforms can amplify reactions quickly, sometimes leading to misunderstandings about a film or its cast.
Despite the backlash, the actor said he remains focused on his work and hopes audiences will watch the full film before forming opinions. He emphasized that his role is part of a fictional narrative and should be viewed as entertainment rather than a reflection of real-life identities.
As anticipation for Dhurandhar continues to build, the discussion surrounding the actor’s comments has sparked broader conversations about artistic freedom and the responsibilities of audiences when interpreting film content.
Summary
An actor from the film Dhurandhar responded to online backlash after playing a hijacker, clarifying he is neither Pakistani nor a terrorist and urging viewers not to confuse fictional roles with real life.