Aditya Dhar clarifies over an image showing Ranveer Singh smoking while wearing a pagdi in Dhurandhar

The director took to social media to clarify the new controversy that has erupted.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge is having a dream run at the worldwide box office, breaking all records. Amidst this, a new controversy erupted surrounding an image shared of Ranveer Singh smoking while wearing a pagdi in the film. However, director Aditya Dhar has now clarified the same in a long note on social media.

Aditya Dhar clarifies the image of Ranveer smoking while wearing a turban.

Aditya began his note by stating that AI-generated images are being circulated on social media to create ‘false and misleading’ narratives. He wrote, “I am deeply grateful & indebted for the overwhelming love that DhurandharThe Revenge has received from audiences across the country and the world. However, it has come to my attention that certain individuals are circulating manipulated visuals by morphing officially released promotional material using artificial intelligence to create false and misleading narratives.”

Aditya Dhar says, “This is completely untrue.”

 Addressing the image of Ranveer’s character Jaskirat Singh Rangi, alias Hamza Ali Mazari, smoking while wearing a turban. He wrote, “This is completely untrue and does not form part of the film or any official material released by us. It is a deliberate act of misrepresentation intended to provoke and create mischief,” wrote Aditya, adding, “Let me state this unequivocally: I hold the highest respect for the Sikh community, and every portrayal in the film has been handled with utmost sensitivity, dignity, and responsibility. Any attempt to suggest otherwise through any doctored content is malicious and dishonest.” He continued, “I urge audiences to rely only on official content and watch the film as it is intended, and not fall prey to AI-generated misinformation being circulated with ulterior motives. Such acts will be dealt with firmly.”

This comes days after an FIR was filed at Mulund Police Station in Mumbai by Gurjyot Singh Keer, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and president of the Sikhs in Maharashtra organisation over alleged hurt sentiments. He claimed that R Madhavan’s character, Ajay Sanyal, smokes whilereciting a sacred verse from the DasamGranth, authored by Guru Gobind Singh. The FIR reportedly mentions the involvement of Madhavan, Ranveer and Aditya. However, taking to Instagram, Madhavan in a video clarified the same, saying the smoking scene wasn’t intended to disrespect the Sikh community. He further explained that the cigarette was extinguished before he recited lines from Guru Gobind Singh Ji’sDasamGranth while talking to Ranveer’s character, and that no smoke appears on screen during the scene. He reiterated his respect for the community and asked for understanding.