Mehbooba Mufti’s Daughter Iltija Faces Backlash for Praising ‘Dhurandhar’; Social Media Reacts with Sharp Jibes

Mumbai: Director Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, continues to dominate the box office and public discourse a week after its release. While the film has earned widespread praise for its gripping narrative and performances, it has also sparked debate over its political undertones and portrayal of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Amid this polarised reaction, Iltija Mufti, PDP leader and daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has found herself at the centre of controversy after publicly praising the film—an endorsement that surprised many given her political background.

Iltija Mufti Praises Film’s Story and Portrayal of Women

Sharing her views on social media, Iltija described Dhurandhar as “interesting and well-made,” despite the surrounding controversies. She particularly applauded the film’s casting, performances and depiction of female characters, calling it a refreshing departure from conventional Bollywood tropes.

“Despite all the noise around Dhurandhar, I personally enjoyed the film. The casting is spot on. Unlike many violent Bollywood films, women here are not reduced to mere showpieces. It’s a very good film,” she wrote.

Her remarks highlighted the film’s effort to portray women with dignity and narrative relevance rather than as ornamental characters.

Social Media Responds with Sarcasm and Political Jibes

However, Iltija’s post triggered a flood of reactions online, ranging from surprise to sarcasm.
One user commented, “Has the sun started rising in the west?”
Another wrote, “When did this happen? Hope your account hasn’t been hacked.”
Some accused her of political opportunism, alleging that the praise was aimed at staying relevant, while others dismissed it as a calculated move.

Several users also urged her to watch other politically sensitive films before forming an opinion, questioning the consistency of her views.

Debate Over Women’s Roles in the Film

Interestingly, Dhurandhar has itself faced criticism over the limited screen time given to female actors, including Saumya Tandon, who played the wife of Rahman Dacait. Trolls accused the filmmakers of using women merely to “play the women card.”

Responding sharply, the actress defended the film, stating that while the role was brief, it avoided unnecessary glamour. “This film doesn’t show actresses dancing in skimpy outfits on beaches. There is no glamorisation—only substance,” she said.

About Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba Mufti served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2016 to 2018 and is currently the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Known for her outspoken advocacy for civil rights in Kashmir, she has remained a prominent political voice in the region.

With Dhurandhar continuing to stir debate across cinema and politics, Iltija Mufti’s unexpected endorsement has added another layer to the film’s already charged public narrative—once again highlighting how cinema in India often transcends the screen to ignite political and ideological conversations.