Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna’s spy thriller Dhurandhar continues to dominate headlines - not only for its gripping narrative, sharp dialogues, and powerhouse performances, but also for the mystery surrounding its striking shooting locations.
Among the most talked-about elements are the scenes depicting Karachi and Lyari, which left audiences wondering where these visually authentic sequences were actually filmed.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the biggest cinematic successes of recent times, collecting an impressive INR1,233 crore worldwide within just 35 days of release.
This feat is particularly notable given that the film remains banned in several Gulf countries. Industry analysts attribute the film’s extraordinary performance to a combination of strong storytelling, high production values, and meticulously chosen locations that elevate the realism of the narrative.
The film’s journey began in July 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, which served as the primary stand-in for Pakistani urban landscapes. Several surveillance-heavy and high-octane chase sequences were shot there.
Carefully constructed sets and detailed production design transformed Bangkok’s streets into believable representations of Pakistani cityscapes, preserving the suspense and authenticity central to the plot.
In a revelation that has surprised many fans, the much-discussed Lyari neighborhood and Karachi’s coastal environment were not filmed in Pakistan at all. These scenes were recreated at Madh Island in Mumbai.
Narrow alleyways, weathered building facades, and precise camera angles combined to produce a strikingly realistic portrayal of Lyari, blurring the line between cinematic illusion and reality. It was here that Ranveer Singh delivered his now-iconic dialogue: “If your firecrackers are finished, I’ll start the explosions.”
Several crucial indoor sequences were shot at Filmistan Studios in February 2025, which functioned as the film’s central production hub. Meanwhile, action and transition scenes were filmed at Dombivli’s Manpada Bridge. The location’s raw industrial backdrop was used with minimal modification, lending an added sense of grit and immediacy to the chase sequences.
The film also ventured into northern India for emotionally charged moments. Scenes around the Golden Temple in Amritsar were filmed with utmost sensitivity and respect, while Kheda village near Ludhiana was transformed into a Pakistani rural setting, capturing deeply personal and nostalgic moments woven into the storyline.
One of the most demanding shooting schedules unfolded in Ladakh in August 2025. Despite extreme weather conditions and the challenges posed by high-altitude terrain, the team completed filming at stark and isolated locations such as Pathar Sahib. These landscapes amplified the film’s themes of solitude, struggle, and looming danger.
Adding a contrasting burst of color and energy to the otherwise intense and suspense-driven narrative, one of the film’s song sequences was shot at the Parle Golden Tobacco Factory. The vibrant choreography and dynamic visuals offered audiences a refreshing tonal shift, showcasing the film’s visual range.
With its seamless blend of global locations and inventive set design, Dhurandhar stands as a testament to the scale and ambition of contemporary Indian cinema - proving that cinematic Karachi can exist far beyond its geographical boundaries.
