‘Dhurandhar’ mints ₹1,300 crore despite ban in Pakistan; pirated copies flood markets

The action drama Dhurandhar, starring Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, has emerged as a major box office success, reportedly grossing ₹1,300 crore worldwide despite facing a screening ban in Pakistan.

The film was barred from theatrical release in Pakistan due to undisclosed regulatory reasons. However, following its release on OTT, the movie gained significant traction and reportedly climbed to the top position on Netflix in the region.

Social media discussions indicate that audiences across the border have been actively watching and sharing reviews of the film. Adding to the buzz, a New Zealand-based YouTuber recently shared a video claiming that pirated copies of Dhurandhar are being sold openly in Pakistani markets for as little as 16 Pakistani rupees.

The video, which has since gone viral, shows street vendors allegedly offering duplicate DVDs of the film despite the official ban. The clip has triggered widespread debate online about piracy and the cross-border popularity of Indian cinema.

Observers note that the development underscores the strong demand for Indian films and music in Pakistan. “Even if a film is banned in theatres, digital platforms and informal markets ensure it reaches audiences,” a film trade analyst commented. The trend also raises concerns about copyright violations and revenue losses due to piracy.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal in pivotal roles. The film’s gripping narrative and high-octane action sequences have been credited for its strong box office performance.

Following the film’s commercial success, the makers have announced a sequel titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which will be produced under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The sequel is expected to expand the storyline and capitalise on the franchise’s popularity.

The producers have confirmed that the film will hit theatres on March 19. With strong digital viewership and continued social media engagement, Dhurandhar has reinforced Ranveer Singh’s box office pull and highlighted the enduring cross-border appeal of Bollywood content.

Also Read: Government doctors warn of state-wide OPD strike over pending demands