Tue Feb 24 09:03:03 UTC 2026: ### Hotmail Co-founder Sabeer Bhatia Criticizes Ranveer Singh’s “Dhurandhar” for Promoting Hate and Senseless Violence

The Story:

Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia has publicly criticized Ranveer Singh’s film “Dhurandhar,” accusing it of promoting hatred and senseless violence rather than encouraging thoughtful engagement. Bhatia shared his views on Instagram, stating that the film is engineered to trigger viewers emotionally and lacks intellectual substance. He expressed concern about the film’s impact on younger audiences, arguing that it promotes a dangerous line of thinking. His comments have sparked a divided reaction online, mirroring the film’s polarizing reception since its release in December 2025.

The film, which follows an Indian spy infiltrating a Baloch gang in Pakistan, has been a massive box office success, grossing over Rs 1300 crore. The sequel, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” is slated for release on March 19, 2026, setting the stage for a box office clash with “Toxic.”

Key Points:

  • Sabeer Bhatia, co-founder of Hotmail, criticized “Dhurandhar” for promoting hate and senseless violence.
  • Bhatia believes the film lacks intellectual depth and is designed to emotionally trigger viewers, particularly younger ones.
  • The film, starring Ranveer Singh, has been a box office success, earning over Rs 1300 crore.
  • The sequel, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” is set to release on March 19, 2026, facing competition from “Toxic.”
  • Public reaction to Bhatia’s criticism has been divided, reflecting the film’s overall polarizing reception.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of Sabeer Bhatia’s criticism, just weeks before the release of “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” is noteworthy. Given the film’s immense popularity and the anticipation surrounding the sequel, Bhatia’s statement could be seen as an attempt to influence public opinion and potentially impact the box office performance of the upcoming film. The historical context also reveals support from Ram Gopal Varma for Dhurandhar, adding another layer to the discourse.

Key Takeaways:

  • “Dhurandhar” has sparked significant debate regarding its content and potential impact on audiences.
  • Public figures’ opinions, like Sabeer Bhatia’s, can significantly influence public perception of a film.
  • The release of “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” is highly anticipated, setting the stage for a major box office battle.
  • The film’s success and the controversy surrounding it highlight the complex relationship between entertainment, social commentary, and cultural impact.

Impact Analysis:

The controversy surrounding “Dhurandhar” and the varying opinions expressed by public figures could impact the film’s long-term legacy. While the film has achieved significant commercial success, the ethical concerns raised by critics like Sabeer Bhatia may shape how it is viewed and remembered in the future. The success or failure of “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” will likely further solidify the film’s place in Bollywood history, either as a groundbreaking action franchise or a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of promoting violence and hate.

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