Pirated screening of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ in Pakistan goes viral
The trend appears to have continued with Dhurandhar 2, which is now reportedly being viewed through illegal copies across the border.
Bengaluru: Despite an official ban on cross-border film releases between India and Pakistan, piracy continues to bridge the cinematic divide, with the latest instance involving the film Dhurandhar 2. A video showing the movie being watched in Lahore has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate.
Reports suggest that while Indian films are not legally released in Pakistan, they still enjoy a massive fan following. Viewers often resort to pirated versions to watch popular releases. The trend appears to have continued with Dhurandhar 2, which is now reportedly being viewed through illegal copies across the border.
The controversy intensified after a Pakistani journalist, identified as Khalid Mehmood, shared a video clip of himself watching the film on television. In the clip, he is seen playing the opening scenes of the movie and captioning it as being watched from Lahore. His social media bio claims he is associated with a Pakistani news outlet.
The video quickly gained traction online, drawing mixed reactions from users. While some criticised the blatant piracy, others highlighted the strong demand for Indian cinema in Pakistan. A section of users also made light-hearted comments, pointing out visual glitches in the TV screen shown in the clip.
Interestingly, this is not the first time a film from the Dhurandhar franchise has found an audience in Pakistan through unofficial means. The first installment had also reportedly gained popularity despite not having a theatrical release, indicating the enduring appeal of Indian films among Pakistani viewers.
The film features prominent actors such as Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun and Arjun Rampal, and is directed by Aditya Dhar. The movie has been generating buzz for its storyline and performances, further fuelling its demand beyond Indian borders.
Industry observers note that piracy remains a major concern for filmmakers, especially when films leak into markets where official distribution is restricted. Apart from financial losses, such incidents also raise questions about copyright enforcement and digital security.
At the same time, the viral video has once again underlined how cinema continues to transcend political boundaries, even in the absence of formal cultural exchange. While authorities in both countries maintain strict policies regarding film releases, audience interest appears to tell a different story.
