Dhurandhar achieves blockbuster success despite ban in six countries

Bengaluru: Bollywood star Ranveer Singh’s latest spy thriller, Dhurandhar, has won audiences over with its gripping storyline, stellar cast, and high-octane action sequences.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has kept viewers on the edge of their seats in theaters since its release on December 5. With a budget of Rs 125 crore, the film has already grossed over Rs 300 crore globally within its first week, setting new records.

However, despite its commercial success, Dhurandhar has been banned in six Gulf countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—over alleged anti-Pakistan content.

The ban highlights the sensitivity surrounding the India-Pakistan geopolitical narrative depicted in the film, which draws inspiration from real-life intelligence operations, including references to RAW and Operation Lyra.

The movie features Ranveer Singh in a standout role, with a supporting cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Soumya Tandon, Naveen Kaushik, and Manav Gohil.

Produced under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film has garnered praise for its action choreography, visual effects, and the intense performances of its ensemble cast.
Despite the bans, Dhurandhar continues to thrive internationally.

Netflix has reportedly acquired the digital streaming rights for approximately ₹130 crore, with the film expected to be available for streaming from January 30, 2026, although this has not yet been officially confirmed. A sequel is already in development, reflecting the franchise’s growing popularity.

The ban has also sparked a backlash from Pakistani media. Journalists have criticized the film for allegedly misrepresenting events in Pakistan and portraying small-scale gang wars in India, while ignoring similar issues within their own country.

Some have also accused Bollywood filmmakers of selectively portraying violence against Muslims in India, questioning why such narratives are not addressed globally. A video capturing these criticisms has gone viral on social media, highlighting the controversy surrounding the film.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, Dhurandhar’s success at the box office underlines the strong appeal of high-stakes espionage thrillers and Ranveer Singh’s star power. Audiences in countries where the film is available continue to flock to theaters, making it one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases of the year.

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