Why Dhurandhar Is More Than Just a Film
Dhurandhar is not just another action thriller. Since its release, the film has become one of the most discussed projects in recent Indian cinema, largely due to speculation about its connection with the life of Major Mohit Sharma, one of India’s bravest Special Forces officers.
Starring Ranveer Singh in a high-octane spy role, Dhurandhar explores the dangerous world of covert intelligence operations, undercover identities, and national security. The similarities between the film’s storyline and real-life military missions have made audiences question: Is this film based on a true story?
To understand the controversy and the cinematic portrayal, it is essential to separate history from storytelling.
Who Was Major Mohit Sharma?
Major Mohit Sharma was an officer of the Indian Army’s elite Para Special Forces, a unit known for its highly classified and dangerous missions.
Born in Haryana, Sharma initially pursued engineering before choosing a life of service. After joining the Army, he volunteered for Special Forces — a path that demands exceptional physical endurance, mental resilience, and emotional strength.
A Soldier Known for Undercover Bravery
Major Sharma was renowned for his ability to operate undercover, often blending into hostile environments to gather intelligence and neutralize threats. He successfully infiltrated terrorist networks and played a crucial role in multiple counter-terror operations.
Despite being critically injured during one such mission, he continued fighting until his final breath. For his unmatched courage and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded India’s highest peacetime gallantry honour, cementing his place among the nation’s greatest heroes.
His life represents discipline, intelligence, and fearless patriotism — qualities that deeply resonate with the themes seen in Dhurandhar.
What Is Dhurandhar About?
Dhurandhar is a fictional spy thriller set against the backdrop of high-risk intelligence operations. The film focuses on deep-cover missions where agents live double lives, infiltrate hostile forces, and make life-altering sacrifices to protect national interests.
The story blends:
- Espionage and counter-terror operations
- Psychological warfare
- Identity conflicts
- Patriotism and moral dilemmas
While the narrative feels realistic and grounded, the makers have clarified that the film is not a biographical account of any specific individual.
Ranveer Singh’s Role in Dhurandhar
Ranveer Singh plays a complex intelligence operative who operates under multiple identities to penetrate enemy networks. His character is trained, fearless, emotionally layered, and constantly walking the line between survival and sacrifice.
Key Traits of His Character
- Deep-cover agent: Living among enemies while hiding true allegiance
- Master of disguise: Shifting identities to gain trust
- Strategic thinker: Outsmarting adversaries through intelligence, not just force
- Emotionally intense: Wrestling with isolation, loss, and moral choices
Ranveer’s performance captures the mental and emotional toll of covert warfare, making the character feel authentic and compelling.
Is He Playing Major Mohit Sharma?
No.
Although similarities exist — especially in undercover tactics and courage — Ranveer Singh’s character is fictional. He represents the broader spirit of Indian intelligence operatives rather than portraying Major Mohit Sharma directly.
Why Did the Controversy Erupt?
The debate around Dhurandhar emerged because:
- The film’s storyline mirrors real military tactics used by Special Forces
- The protagonist’s undercover approach resembles known operations carried out by Major Mohit Sharma
- Audiences emotionally connected the character to a real national hero
This led to concerns that the film might be indirectly using a real soldier’s life without formally acknowledging it. The situation highlighted a larger issue — where does inspiration end and appropriation begin?
Reel Inspiration vs Real Sacrifice
Indian cinema has often drawn inspiration from real events, especially when depicting patriotism and national security. However, when stories resemble real sacrifices, audiences expect sensitivity and clarity.
Major Mohit Sharma’s life was not a cinematic arc — it was real, dangerous, and final. Any narrative that echoes such heroism naturally invites scrutiny.
At the same time, fictional stories like Dhurandhar aim to highlight the collective courage of intelligence operatives, many of whom remain unnamed and unsung.
Audience Response and Cultural Impact
Despite the debate, Dhurandhar has received strong audience interest for its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and realistic portrayal of espionage.
More importantly, the discussion surrounding the film has:
- Renewed public interest in real-life military heroes
- Encouraged conversations about ethical storytelling
- Brought attention to the sacrifices of covert operatives
In this way, the film has indirectly strengthened respect for those who protect the nation from the shadows.
Final Verdict: What’s Real and What’s Reel?
The reality:
Major Mohit Sharma was a real Indian Army hero whose courage and sacrifice remain unmatched.
The fiction:
Dhurandhar is a cinematic spy thriller inspired by the world of intelligence operations — not a direct retelling of any one soldier’s life.
The truth:
Ranveer Singh’s role symbolizes the spirit of countless unnamed operatives who live and die without recognition.
Conclusion
Dhurandhar stands at the intersection of imagination and reality. While it does not depict Major Mohit Sharma’s life, it unintentionally reminds the nation of real heroes who carried out similar missions without fame or applause.
The film’s biggest achievement may not be its action or box office numbers, but the way it has reignited respect for India’s covert warriors — those who operate silently, sacrifice completely, and are remembered through honour, not headlines.
