Pakistan’s ‘Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat’ Draws Criticism, Compared to Dhurandha
A newly launched Pakistani spy thriller, Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat, has sparked widespread online debate and criticism, with many viewers comparing it to Dhurandhar and calling it an attempted counter-narrative.
The show, which premiered on Green Entertainment Television on March 29, revolves around a storyline in which India’s intelligence agency RAW is allegedly involved in destabilising Pakistan through acts of terrorism. The series features veteran actor Javed Sheikh as the RAW chief, alongside actors Momina Iqbal and Umer Aalam, and is directed by Iqbal Hussain.
The concept appears to mirror themes explored in Dhurandhar, a popular Indian spy film series directed by Aditya Dhar, which was appreciated in India for its relatively realistic portrayal of espionage and regional settings, including Lyari in Pakistan. However, the films received criticism in Pakistan for allegedly portraying the country and its intelligence agencies in a negative light.
Since its release, Jahannum Ba’raasta Jannat has faced backlash on social media, where viewers have mocked its execution, citing poor production quality, unrealistic scenes, and lack of detail. A particular clip that went viral showed fictional RAW officials discussing a plot to destabilise Pakistan, with dialogues that many users found exaggerated and implausible.
Several social media users have described the show as an over-the-top response to Dhurandhar, rather than a well-crafted standalone narrative. Critics argue that the series fails to match the storytelling and technical standards expected from modern spy thrillers.
Despite the criticism, the show has managed to generate attention online, highlighting ongoing interest in cross-border narratives and how media in both countries portrays intelligence agencies and geopolitical tensions.
