With only days left for Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film Dhurandhar to release, a fresh wave of criticism has sparked debate across social media and within military circles. The trailer has impressed many, but others believe the film draws heavily from the life of Major Mohit Sharma a decorated Para Special Forces officer without permission from his family.
The late officer’s relatives have now approached the Delhi High Court, arguing that the makers appear to have used his story and achievements as inspiration for the film without their consent. They have asked the court to examine whether the character shown in the movie mirrors his life too closely.
Who Was Major Mohit Sharma?
Major Mohit Sharma, born in 1978 in Rohtak, Haryana, was one of the most celebrated officers of the Indian Army’s elite 1 Para Special Forces. Known for its extreme training standards and high-risk missions, the unit handles operations that require both physical strength and deep intelligence work.
He joined the National Defence Academy in 1995, later graduating from the Indian Military Academy and being commissioned into the 5th Battalion of the Madras Regiment in December 1999. Over the years, Major Sharma took part in numerous counterinsurgency operations where soldiers often worked undercover and in highly unpredictable conditions.
One of his most daring missions took place in 2004. Operating under a fabricated identity “Iftikhar Bhatt” he infiltrated a Hizbul Mujahideen group to gather sensitive information. He lived among militants, grew his beard and hair, dressed like a local, and carried out the role with complete conviction. This undercover operation helped the Army eliminate key terror operatives and earned him the Sena Medal for gallantry.
His Final Mission and Supreme Sacrifice
In March 2009, Major Sharma led another risky operation in the forests of Kupwara, Kashmir — an area known for heavy infiltration and dense terrain. He and his team came under intense enemy fire.
Despite being severely injured, he continued to lead his men from the front, fought in close combat, and neutralised four terrorists before succumbing to his injuries. For his unmatched courage and leadership, he was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: Why the Film Is Under Scrutiny
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar follows the journey of an Indian soldier who goes undercover inside terror networks in Kashmir a storyline that, according to many observers, bears a strong resemblance to Major Sharma’s real missions.
The film features a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna. It is scheduled for release on December 5.
With the court now involved and public debate intensifying, it remains to be seen whether the filmmakers will need to make changes or offer clarifications. For many, the issue is not just about cinema it is about honouring the legacy of a soldier whose bravery continues to inspire the nation.
