Ranveer Singh’s high-octane spy thriller Dhurandhar has run into international turbulence after being banned across six Gulf countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The ban, reportedly imposed due to objections over the film’s anti-Pakistan messaging, has reignited discussions around the reception of politically charged Indian films in overseas markets, particularly the Middle East.
Why Dhurandhar Was Banned in the Gulf
According to industry reports, the makers of Dhurandhar attempted to secure theatrical clearance in the Gulf, a region considered vital for Bollywood’s overseas revenue. However, censorship authorities in all six Gulf nations denied release permissions, citing concerns over the film’s political narrative and portrayal of cross-border themes.
Films dealing with India–Pakistan geopolitics often face heightened scrutiny in Middle Eastern territories, where diplomatic sensitivities play a key role in content approval. The sweeping ban on Dhurandhar follows a familiar pattern seen with several past Indian films rooted in real-world military or intelligence operations.
Strong Box Office Performance Despite the Ban
Despite the major international setback, Dhurandhar continues to dominate the Indian box office. Within just one week of its release, the film has crossed Rs 200 crore (net) in India, proving its massive domestic appeal. Overseas collections stand at Rs 44.5 crore, even without contributions from the Gulf market—an impressive feat by industry standards.
Trade analysts believe the film’s strong word of mouth, gripping narrative and patriotic undertones have helped it overcome the loss of a crucial overseas territory.
Aditya Dhar’s Comeback After Uri
Dhurandhar marks the return of director Aditya Dhar to the big screen after six years. His last outing, Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), was a blockbuster that redefined the modern military-action genre in Bollywood. Naturally, expectations were sky-high for Dhurandhar.
While early rumours suggested the film was based on the life of Major Mohit Sharma, Dhar clarified that Dhurandhar is not a biopic. Instead, the story draws inspiration from real geopolitical events and covert R&AW missions, blending fact with cinematic storytelling.
Inspired by Real Events and Covert Operations
The film is reportedly inspired by events surrounding Operation Lyari in Pakistan and the alleged involvement of Indian intelligence agencies. This real-world backdrop has added to the film’s intrigue—but also appears to be the core reason behind its ban in the Gulf region.
With a narrative rooted in espionage, sacrifice and national security, Dhurandhar positions itself firmly within the patriotic thriller space that Indian audiences have embraced in recent years.
Power-Packed Ensemble Cast
Apart from Ranveer Singh in the lead, Dhurandhar boasts a formidable supporting cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal. The ensemble’s performances, combined with slick action sequences and a tense screenplay, have been widely praised by viewers.
Bigger Than the Controversy?
While the Gulf ban has undoubtedly limited Dhurandhar’s global theatrical footprint, it has also amplified curiosity and debate around the film. Historically, controversies surrounding bans have often fueled audience interest rather than dampened it.
With robust collections, strong audience response and sustained momentum at the box office, Dhurandhar is shaping up to be one of the biggest Hindi film successes of the year, proving that controversy doesn’t always translate into commercial damage.
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