Dhurandhar banned across six Gulf nations over anti-Pakistan theme: Report

MUMBAI: Ranveer Singh’s new spy thriller Dhurandhar has been barred across six Gulf countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, after authorities reportedly objected to its anti-Pakistan messaging. The sweeping ban has reignited debate over how Indian films that delve into cross-border geopolitics are policed in the Middle East.

Distributors had sought theatrical clearance across the region, a crucial market for Bollywood, but none of the countries approved the release. According to a Bollywood Hungama report, there had been “apprehensions” the film would be blocked given its perceived stance, and all appeals failed.

The Gulf has previously restricted films with similar themes, including Fighter, Sky Force, The Diplomat, Article 370, Tiger 3 and The Kashmir Files. Even Fighter, released briefly in the UAE, was pulled within a day before a revised cut was rejected.

At home, Dhurandhar shows no sign of slowing. The film has crossed Rs 200 crore net in India within a week and earned Rs 44.5 crore overseas, excluding the Gulf.

The film marks Aditya Dhar’s return to direction after six years. His first outing since the 2019 hit Uri: The Surgical Strike, Dhurandhar draws on real geopolitics and covert R&AW operations, including events linked to Operation Lyari in Pakistan. Alongside Singh, the cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal. Riding strong word of mouth and its geopolitical backdrop, the film is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest box-office performers.