Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia publicly criticized the Ranveer Singh-starrer film "Dhurandhar" on February 24, 2026, calling it "disgusting" for spreading messages of revenge and hate. Bhatia shared a video review on his Instagram account, urging viewers to reject the movie, which was released in theaters on December 5, 2025, and later on Netflix in January 2026. His comments have ignited a fresh debate about the film's narrative and its societal impact.[hindustantimes+4]
Hotmail Founder Condemns Film's Message
Sabeer Bhatia, a prominent Indian-American entrepreneur known for co-founding Hotmail in 1996, expressed strong reservations about "Dhurandhar" in his video review. He stated that while the movie contained "emotionally charged, sensationalism, drama," it lacked an intellectual component. Bhatia explicitly said, "All it is spreading is the message of revenge and hate. It's disgusting."He captioned his Instagram post with a warning: "Movies today aren't made to emotionally empower you. They're engineered to trigger you. Be cautious!"[hindustantimes+11]
Bhatia further elaborated on his concerns, particularly regarding the film's influence on younger generations. He argued against films that promote "senseless killings and revenge," believing such narratives foster a "terrible" line of thinking. "We don't want our kids to be emotional reactors. We want the younger generation to be logical thinkers," Bhatia emphasized.He also criticized the movie for broadly portraying entire countries and institutions without delving into the nuances of individual motivations, asserting, "Individuals are good or bad, not countries."[hindustantimes+14]
Dhurandhar's Plot and Box Office Success
"Dhurandhar" is an espionage action film directed by Aditya Dhar, featuring a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan.The film centers on an Indian spy who infiltrates a Baloch gang operating in Lyari, Pakistan.The fictional plot is influenced by real-world incidents such as the IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, forming the backdrop for the narrative.Ranveer Singh plays the role of Hamza, a RAW officer assigned to an undercover operation across the border.[thestatesman+7]
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, "Dhurandhar" has achieved significant commercial success, collecting over âč1300 crore worldwide since its theatrical release on December 5, 2025. The film also gained a broader audience after its release on Netflix in January 2026. Its commercial performance highlights a strong public reception, contrasting with some critical opinions and Bhatia's recent condemnation.[hindustantimes+4]
Public Reaction and Upcoming Sequel
Sabeer Bhatia's strong critique of "Dhurandhar" has sparked a divided reaction across social media platforms. Many online users have engaged in debates, with some agreeing with Bhatia's sentiments about the film's content and messaging. Comments supporting Bhatia echoed concerns about the promotion of hatred and a perceived lack of intellectual depth in modern cinema. One user commented, "Thank god someone spoke finally. It's a total waste." Another user agreed, stating, "Sabeer I thought the same, me and my family have decided not to watch part 2 under any circumstances."[hindustantimes+4]
However, a significant portion of the internet community disagreed with Bhatia, defending the film as entertainment and questioning his critique. Some users argued that movies are primarily for entertainment and do not necessarily carry political or thought-provoking responsibilities. Others expressed nationalistic sentiments, with one user telling Bhatia, "Do us a favour and don't watch Indian movies. Now that you are an American, do not peddle these false and anti-India narratives." The makers of "Dhurandhar" have not yet issued an official response to Bhatia's comments.[livemint+5]
The controversy surrounding the film is further fueled by the anticipation of its sequel, "Dhurandhar: The Revenge," which is scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026. This upcoming release is set to clash with another major film, "Toxic," starring Yash, creating further buzz around the franchise.[republicworld+6]
Bhatia's Broader Views on Critical Thinking
Bhatia's critique of "Dhurandhar" aligns with his broader advocacy for critical thinking and responsible storytelling. He has consistently voiced concerns about the erosion of critical thinking in education and public discourse. In the past, Bhatia has criticized what he calls India's "trader mindset," which he believes prioritizes replication over originality and hinders innovation. He argues that a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving is crucial for future generations and for a nation's progress.[indiatomorrow+2]
He believes that cinema should inspire people to think, rather than merely provoking emotions. Bhatia, who also co-founded ShowReel, a video-based professional networking and learning platform that has pivoted to an AI-based entrepreneurship course, actively mentors young Indian startups and advocates for AI-driven education reform. His recent comments on "Dhurandhar" underscore his ongoing commitment to fostering intellectual engagement and responsible content creation in society.[indiatomorrow+7]
