Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Dhurandhar: Real-Life Figures and Controversies
The movie 'Dhurandhar' features characters inspired by real-life figures like Javed Khanani, a Karachi-based hawala titan who worked as a shadow banker for the ISI.
He was involved in money laundering and funding terrorist organisations.
The film also depicts Rehman Dakait, a Lyari gangster, and Chaudhry Aslam, a police officer.
While some appreciate the film's attempt to bring real stories to the screen, others criticize it for distorting historical events.
Actor Ankit Sagar, who played Javed Khanani, noted his resemblance to the real-life figure and the extensive reach of Khanani's operations.
The film has sparked discussions about the accuracy of its portrayal of these real-life events and personalities.
The film 'Dhurandhar' features characters inspired by real-life figures like Javed Khanani, a Karachi-based hawala titan and ISI’s shadow banker.
Javed Khanani was involved in money laundering and funding terrorist organisations, including Al Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba.
The film also depicts Rehman Dakait, a Lyari gangster, and Chaudhry Aslam, a police officer involved in Dakait's controversial death.
Actor Ankit Sagar, who played Javed Khanani, noted his resemblance to the real-life figure and the extensive reach of Khanani's operations.
The film has sparked discussions about the accuracy of its portrayal of these real-life events and personalities, with critics condemning the fictionalized depictions and supporters appreciating the creative liberties taken.
- Who
- Javed Khanani, Rehman Dakait, and Chaudhry Aslam
- What
- Depiction of real-life figures in the film 'Dhurandhar' and the controversies surrounding their portrayals
- When
- Early 2000s (for Javed Khanani's activities) and 2009 (for Rehman Dakait's death)
- Where
- Karachi, Pakistan (for Javed Khanani and Rehman Dakait) and India (for the impact of fake currency)
- Why
- To highlight the real-life stories and the creative liberties taken in the film
Critics
Supporters
Accuracy of Depiction
Critics
Critics condemn the film for its fictionalized portrayal of real-life figures, arguing it distorts historical events and personalities.
Supporters
Supporters appreciate the film's attempt to bring real-life stories to the screen, acknowledging the creative liberties taken for cinematic purposes.
- Javed Khanani
- Karachi-based hawala titan and ISI’s shadow banker
- Khanani & Kalia International (KKI)
- Designated as a significant transnational criminal organisation by the US
- Fake Currency
- Estimated Rs 1,500–2,000 crore worth of Pakistan-origin fake notes pumped into India in the early 2000s
- Javed Khanani's Death
- Allegedly fell from the fourth floor of an under-construction building
- Ankit Sagar
- Actor who played Javed Khanani in the film
- Rehman Dakait
- Lyari gangster and political figure
- Chaudhry Aslam
- Police officer involved in Rehman Dakait's death
Sources
Dhurandhar: How Rehman Dakait Was Killed By Chaudhry Aslam After A Years-Long Chase Through Lyari
Dhurandhar sequel: Real-life Chaudhary Aslam, played by Sanjay Dutt, was assassinated; was R&AW involved?
Dhurandhar: ISI’s banker Javed Khanani met a gory end in real-life, he was not the comic book villain of Aditya Dhar’s film
‘Dhurandhar spreads propaganda,’ claims Pakistan; announces ‘Mera Lyari’ based on what was the 6th most dangerous city in the world
