The ‘Dhurandhar’ Effect: ‘Day 1 as a Spy in Pakistan’ trend takes over social media

The buzz around Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar has moved beyond cinema halls to social media feeds, with a new wave of reels and short videos gaining traction under the theme “Day 1 as a Spy in Pakistan.” The trend, driven largely by Instagram creators, draws inspiration from the film’s espionage narrative and Singh’s portrayal of an undercover operative.

Creators participating in the trend imagine scenarios in which an untrained or culturally unfiltered spy attempts to go undercover, often with humorous consequences. These short clips typically feature exaggerated slip-ups - from casually revealing personal details to struggling to suppress familiar habits - turning the idea of covert intelligence work into light-hearted satire.

Unlike the polished action sequences depicted in the film, the social media versions lean into deliberate awkwardness. In several videos, creators portray spies who unintentionally give themselves away through language, food preferences, or everyday behaviour. The humour lies in the contrast between the high-stakes world of espionage on screen and the relatability of the characters imagined online.

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The trend has gained momentum as Dhurandhar continues to feature prominently in online pop-culture conversations. Clips referencing the film’s characters, background score, and visual aesthetic are being adapted into comedic formats, making the content instantly recognisable to viewers familiar with the movie.