The 2025 spy action thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has taken the box office by storm since its theatrical release on December 5, 2025. With a gripping narrative inspired by real-life geopolitical tensions and underworld operations, the film features standout performances, particularly Akshaye Khanna as the powerful gangster Rehman Dakait. One of the most visually striking elements is Dakait’s grand mansion, depicted as located in the notorious Lyari area of Karachi, Pakistan.
However, contrary to the on-screen setting, those iconic mansion scenes were not filmed in Pakistan—or anywhere outside India. The production cleverly utilized Lal Kothi, a historic 19th-century haveli (approximately 160 years old, built around 1876) in Amritsar, Punjab. This red-hued architectural masterpiece, with its colonial-era design, high ceilings, European marble flooring, intricate wood-carved staircases, and majestic interiors, perfectly evoked the imposing and luxurious vibe required for Dakait’s residence.
The Dhurandhar crew shot key interior and exterior sequences at Lal Kothi over just two days, with stars including Akshaye Khanna, Ranveer Singh, and Saumya Tandon present on location. According to Deepak Yadav, the caretaker of the property, the site charges around ₹50,000 per day for film shoots. Managed by a trust rather than a private owner, Lal Kothi is preserved for its heritage value and has hosted numerous Bollywood and Punjabi film productions over the years, including projects featuring actors like Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Rishi Kapoor, and Rekha.
This clever location choice highlights Bollywood’s resourcefulness in transforming authentic Indian heritage sites into convincing international settings. Punjab’s pre-Partition architecture often bears striking similarities to styles found in parts of Pakistan, making it an ideal stand-in. While the film’s story unfolds in Karachi’s gritty underworld—with streets and markets recreated on massive sets in Bangkok, Thailand—other portions were shot across Punjab, Chandigarh, Ladakh, Mumbai, and even near the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Lal Kothi’s post-Dhurandhar popularity has surged, with fans and film enthusiasts sharing glimpses and tours of the site online. Situated below Bhandari Bridge in Amritsar, the haveli allows controlled public access, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in its cinematic and historical significance.
With Dhurandhar continuing its record-breaking run—grossing over ₹1,200 crore worldwide and becoming one of the highest-earning Hindi films of all time—the excitement shows no signs of slowing. A sequel, Dhurandhar: Part 2 – Revenge, is already slated for release on March 19, 2026, promising to build on the first installment’s success. In the meantime, spots like Lal Kothi remain a fascinating reminder of how real locations bring fictional worlds to life on the big screen.
About The Author
