Did 'Dhurandhar' dialogue insult Baloch community? Petition reaches Gujarat HC
What's the story
The Gujarat High Court recently heard a petition filed by two members of the Baloch community, seeking the removal of allegedly derogatory dialogues from the Hindi film Dhurandhar. The controversial line, spoken by Sanjay Dutt's character in the movie, was "I always tell the big boss that you can trust a crocodile, but never a Baloch." The petitioners argue this dialogue defames their entire community.
Legal proceedings
Court seeks clarification on petitioners' claims
During the hearing, Justice Aniruddha P Mayee asked the petitioners to clarify how they were defamed by the dialogue since the film is set in a region outside India. The court said, per Indian Express, "The [film is about a] dispute between the two neighboring countries and you are saying that you are being defamed in India... You have to substantiate how you have been prejudiced." The next hearing has been scheduled for January 9.
Legal argument
Petitioners argue dialogue violates Cinematograph Act, 1952
The petitioners argued that the dialogue violates provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and guidelines issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). They claimed these laws prohibit content that defames or disparages any caste or community. The petitioners also submitted that visuals and words referring to their community in the film are "anti-caste and racial."
Legal proceedings
The petitioners' counsel's statement in court
The petitioners' counsel argued that the Baloch community is part of a large area of Balochistan, which extends from countries located in the North West to India, extending to Iran and Pakistan. They contended that the dialogue "compared the community to an animal that cannot be trusted" and "did not specifically mention any particular character of the community or a gang but appears to be a general statement."
Community response
Baloch community members express hurt over portrayal in 'Dhurandhar'
Members of the Baloch community living in India have reportedly expressed their deep hurt over the portrayal, calling it insulting and provocative. The petitioners have sought directions from the court to ensure such derogatory content is removed from Dhurandhar and its promotions. The court has not yet issued an injunction.