Director Faces Backlash Over 'Sinister' Film Remarks

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 12:47 GMT by RepublicWorld
      Locale: INDIA

Mumbai, February 2nd, 2026 - Shazia Iqbal, director of the highly anticipated 'Dhadak 2,' is attempting to recalibrate her public image following a storm of criticism ignited by her characterization of the 2019 film 'Dhurandhar' as "sinister." The controversy, which unfolded rapidly across social media platforms last week, has forced Iqbal to reassess her digital footprint as she prepares to release a remake of a beloved classic.

Iqbal's initial comments, made during a promotional interview for 'Dhadak 2,' described 'Dhurandhar' in unflattering terms, expressing regret for her previous involvement with the project. While the full context of her statement remains a subject of debate, the use of the word "sinister" immediately drew fire from fans of the original film, as well as industry observers. Many viewed her words as disrespectful to the film's cast, crew, and the legacy it had built. The backlash was swift and substantial, trending for days across multiple social media platforms. Critics argued that disparaging a previous work, especially one as popular as 'Dhurandhar,' was a poor strategy for promoting a remake and signaled a lack of respect for the industry's history.

In the days following the initial uproar, Iqbal appears to have adopted a lower profile. She has significantly altered her presence on platforms like Twitter (now rebranded as X) and Instagram. Changes include modifications to her handles, a complete overhaul of her profile picture, and a noticeable reduction in posting frequency. While her team has not officially commented on the reasons behind these alterations, it is widely speculated that they are a direct response to the negative reaction to her 'Dhurandhar' comments.

'Dhadak 2' is, itself, a remake - this time of the critically and commercially successful 2019 Marathi film 'Chhichhore.' The original 'Chhichhore' starred the late Sushant Singh Rajput and Shraddha Kapoor and resonated deeply with audiences due to its poignant story about friendship, loss, and overcoming adversity. The shadow of Rajput's untimely passing adds another layer of sensitivity to any discussion surrounding the film and its themes.

Remakes are always fraught with risk, particularly when dealing with films that hold a special place in the public's heart. Iqbal faces the daunting task of honoring the spirit of 'Chhichhore' while simultaneously bringing a fresh perspective to the story. The controversy surrounding her 'Dhurandhar' remarks has only amplified the pressure. Many are now questioning whether she possesses the artistic sensitivity and respect necessary to successfully navigate such a challenging project.

Industry analysts suggest Iqbal's social media strategy shift could be a calculated move to minimize further damage and regain control of the narrative. Some PR experts believe the change is an attempt to distance herself from the negative association and project a more neutral image. However, others argue that attempting to silence the conversation entirely may prove counterproductive. Transparency and a genuine apology, some suggest, could have been a more effective approach.

The incident also raises broader questions about the increasing scrutiny faced by filmmakers in the age of social media. A single, ill-considered statement can quickly spiral into a public relations crisis, potentially jeopardizing years of work. It underscores the importance of careful communication and a deep understanding of the potential impact of one's words.

As 'Dhadak 2' inches closer to its release date, all eyes will be on Iqbal and how she handles the ongoing fallout. Whether she can successfully steer the film past the controversy and win over audiences remains to be seen. The success of 'Dhadak 2' will likely hinge not only on the quality of the film itself but also on Iqbal's ability to demonstrate respect for the source material and rebuild trust with a skeptical public.