The war room behind the screen
In Bollywood blockbusters such as 'Uri' and 'Dhurandhar,' Israeli counter-terrorism methods are no longer viewed as foreign or unfamiliar. Rather, they are presented as standard operating procedure. The shift in mainstream Hindi cinema over the past few years has been notable. The era of grand romantic sagas and family dramas gradually gives way to the rising popularity of military and espionage thrillers. These films portray a more assertive India. One that is willing to strike swiftly and operate in the shadows. At the center of this cinematic evolution is a growing inspiration drawn from Israel. Its model of precision and decisiveness becoming a blueprint for how a modern nation should address terrorism and threats.
The rise of these action-focused, state-centric narratives reflects both a broader geopolitical transformation and a shift in public expectation. The Indian public, influenced by global events and regional tensions, increasingly desires stories that show their country no longer playing the role of the restrained nation. Instead, it is depicted as one that acts with confidence and purpose. This new cinematic direction often subtly evokes the Israeli example, not always by name but through the strategic language and tactical scenarios presented onscreen. Precision strikes, covert operations, and the idea of a state that takes decisive action before threats escalate—these elements have become central to the new Bollywood storytelling.
The 'Uri' shift
When 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' was released in 2019, it marked a dramatic pivot in Indian cinema. The film, though based on a real military operation, went beyond recounting facts. It redefined the narrative of India’s role in dealing with terrorism. One of the most memorable lines from the movie was 'Yeh naya Hindustan hai… ghar mein ghusega bhi aur marega bhi.' Which translates to 'This is a new India; it will enter your home and strike you.' That phrase quickly became a cultural reference and a powerful statement of intent.
More than just a line of dialogue, it signaled a new Indian mindset. The film’s depiction of strategic action, the use of advanced surveillance, and the deployment of elite commandos echoed the methods associated with Israel’s national security policies. Particularly evident was the parallel to Israel’s doctrine of preemption. This idea, that a nation should act decisively to neutralize threats before they fully materialize, is something that 'Uri' brought to the forefront of public consciousness.
What makes the film's message so striking is its direct alignment with Israeli military and intelligence practices. The narrative structure, the emphasis on surgical precision, and the portrayal of intelligence-led operations all draw clear parallels to strategies used by Mossad. This connection was not accidental. It was a deliberate effort to frame India’s evolving national identity through the lens of a foreign country’s counter-terrorism model. Particularly in the context of India’s growing defense collaboration with Israel.
The backdrop of real-world military and intelligence partnerships between the two nations is evident in the film. India-Israel cooperation in unmanned aerial systems, including joint drone technology, is a key component of modern defense strategy. These technologies are depicted in 'Uri' as essential tools for intelligence gathering and precision strikes, highlighting a shift from traditional restraint to calculated aggression. The movie thus serves as a mirror to changing attitudes within India about how to approach international threats.
From the battlefield to the shadows
If 'Uri' showcased India’s new willingness to strike overtly, the 'Dhurandhar' series (2025–2026) takes the narrative into deeper, more morally ambiguous waters. Directed by Aditya Dhar, these films move beyond the battlefield and into the world of covert operations. The protagonist, Hamza Ali Mazari, played by Ranveer Singh, is a highly trained undercover operative embedded in the heart of Karachi’s underworld. He is not the typical Bollywood spy, driven by emotion or patriotism alone. Instead, Hamza operates with a chilling detachment, calculating his actions with precision and orchestrating assassinations from a distance.
The character of Hamza is a deliberate departure from the romantic and emotionally driven spies that once dominated Bollywood narratives. He is a cold, methodical figure who blends into the shadows, using invisible forces to execute operations. This approach to covert action draws clear inspiration from the Israeli Kidon unit—a secretive branch of Mossad known for carrying out targeted assassinations. The comparison is not subtle. In 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge,' a crucial scene reveals how Hamza’s handler, Ajay Sanyal, uses intelligence about Israeli-Pakistani interactions to gain leverage and secure a prisoner’s release. This moment underscores the film’s broader message: that India must adopt the same level of ruthlessness and cross-border agility if it is to counter an adversary like Pakistan.
The 'Dhurandhar' series pushes the narrative even further. Embracing the idea that power in the modern world lies not just in military might, but in the ability to operate in secrecy, without acknowledgment or accountability. The film does not shy away from showcasing the unsettling implications of this strategy. Violence is no longer depicted as a spectacle of heroism, but as a tool of quiet, calculated control. This evolution in storytelling reflects a growing acceptance within Indian society. Of the idea that to be a formidable state, India must think and act like the world’s most secretive and effective security forces.
While 'Uri' demonstrated overt military precision and a new national assertiveness, 'Dhurandhar' takes the Israeli template into a darker, more complex domain. It is in this space of deniability and psychological warfare that the films find their most provocative themes. The underlying logic is clear: for India to emerge as a global power and effectively counter its regional adversaries, it must be willing to operate in the shadows, to use whatever means necessary, and to embrace a level of strategic ruthlessness that is often associated with Israel’s security approach.