The upcoming film Dhurandhar: The Revenge has landed in controversy after an AI-generated image showing Ranveer Singh smoking while wearing a turban went viral on social media, sparking outrage and confusion among audiences.
Filmmaker Aditya Dhar has now issued a strong statement, calling the viral content “fabricated” and “malicious,” while urging fans not to believe manipulated visuals circulating online.
Director Calls Viral Image ‘Completely False’
Reacting to the controversy, Aditya Dhar said that certain individuals are using artificial intelligence to morph official promotional material and spread false narratives about the film.
He clarified that the viral image showing Ranveer Singh’s character smoking in a turban is entirely fake and not part of the movie in any form.
Dhar stated, “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.”
“Highest Respect for Sikh Community,” Says Dhar
Addressing concerns raised by members of the Sikh community, Dhar firmly stated that the film has treated all portrayals with sensitivity and dignity.
He said, “I hold the highest respect for the Sikh community, and every portrayal in the film has been handled with utmost sensitivity, dignity, and responsibility.”
The director also warned that any attempt to spread doctored content to create controversy is dishonest and will be dealt with strictly.
FIR Reports Add Fuel to Controversy
The issue has intensified after reports claimed that members of the Sikh community have filed an FIR against the makers of the film. The complaint reportedly points to another scene involving R. Madhavan, where he is allegedly seen smoking while reciting lines from the Dasam Granth.
This has further triggered debate around religious sensitivity and representation in cinema.
Dhar Urges Audience to Trust Official Content
In his closing remarks, Dhar appealed to viewers to rely only on official content released by the filmmakers and not fall prey to AI-generated misinformation being spread with ulterior motives.
He emphasised that the film should be judged only after watching the authentic version, not through manipulated clips or images circulating online.
The controversy highlights the growing challenge of AI misuse in entertainment, where fake visuals can quickly go viral and spark real-world backlash even before a film’s release.
