As Dhurandhar 2 continues its record-breaking run at the global box office, it has sparked a heated cross-border controversy. Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol has publicly criticized the film, specifically targeting the portrayal of the character Jameel Jamali, which many believe is inspired by him.
The Controversy Over Jameel Jamali
The character, played by veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, has become a talking point for his comedic yet intricate role in Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller. While Gabol initially seemed to embrace the similarities after the first film, his stance has shifted dramatically following the sequel’s revelation that the character is an Indian spy.
In a recent interview, Gabol took a dig at the production, stating, “They used a comedian, Rakesh Bedi, to play my role and portrayed him as Nabil Gabol.” He went on to dismiss the film’s narrative, claiming, “The truth is they cannot fight Pakistan or the Pakistani Army, so they created a movie instead.”
Gabol’s Warning to Trolls
Addressing the social media buzz and trolling from Indian audiences, Gabol issued a defiant response. “I see a lot of trolling asking why Nabil Gabol has gone silent,” he said, promising a “powerful answer” regarding the reputation of Lyari, the region he represented as an MNA. He equated his upcoming response to military actions, further escalating the tension surrounding the film’s fictional portrayal.
Rakesh Bedi’s Take
For his part, Rakesh Bedi has maintained a more generalized perspective on the role. The actor clarified that he didn’t base the performance solely on one person. “I made it a general depiction of all Pakistani politicians,” Bedi explained, though he acknowledged that Nabil Gabol was indeed the MNA of Lyari during the period the film depicts.
Despite the political friction, the character of Jameel Jamali remains one of the most discussed performances in the movie, blending Bedi’s signature comedic timing with the high-stakes world of international espionage.
