Dhurandhar Casting Director Mukesh Chhabra Blasts ‘Unnecessary’ Negative Reviews: Kya Log Hain…

Ranveer Singh’s new film Dhurandhar opened in cinemas on Friday, 5 December, and drew mixed reactions from viewers. While some praised performances, others criticised the film online. The discussion soon shifted from box office prospects to allegations of paid negativity and questions over limited pre-release promotions.

Many social media users asked why Dhurandhar skipped a Thursday press screening and had low-key marketing. Some claimed this indicated an “average” film. Members of the team rejected that reading, saying last-minute technical issues affected screenings rather than any concern about audience response.

Dhurandhar controversy and Mukesh Chhabra’s response

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra addressed the chatter on Friday through the official X account. Mukesh wrote, "How amazingly it has turned out. I've been reading so many unnecessary negative reviews, and honestly, it's very funny. I was there as one of the HODs of the film. They even had to cancel the cast and crew screening because of a technical glitch. Kya log hain… kisi ne film dekhi bhi nahi, but negativity ke liye ready hain. Haha."

Mukesh followed the post with another line backing Dhurandhar’s commercial chances, adding, "Phaad degi box office! Can't wait for the magic." The comments targeted users posting early criticism. Mukesh suggested that several negative reactions came from people who had not actually watched Dhurandhar in theatres.

Dhurandhar promotions, Yami Gautam’s note and paid campaigns

On Thursday, ahead of Dhurandhar’s release, Yami Gautam shared a long note about the wider film ecosystem. Yami, whose husband Aditya Dhar directed Dhurandhar, urged colleagues to rethink practices around hype, marketing spends and what Yami described as pressure linked to online coverage.

The actress said, "There is something I have been wanting to express for a really long time. I feel today is that day, and I must. This so-called trend of giving money in the guise of marketing a film to ensure good 'hype' for that film, or else 'they' will continuously write negative things (even before the film is released) until you pay 'them' money, feels like nothing but extortion."

Yami also contrasted her experience on Dhurandhar with what Yami sees in the South Indian film industry. Yami wrote that, in that space, no one would risk such tactics. The note added a fresh angle to the Dhurandhar debate, turning attention towards paid campaigns and alleged “toxic” practices.

The ensemble cast of Dhurandhar features several well-known Hindi film names alongside Ranveer Singh. Key actors are detailed below.

Film	Director	Lead Cast
Dhurandhar	Aditya Dhar	Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi

For now, Dhurandhar continues its theatrical run while debate around reviews and alleged paid negativity carries on. The makers highlight technical reasons for scrapped screenings, and key team members publicly defend the film. Audience word of mouth and future box office data will show how Dhurandhar finally fares.