Gulf Nations Block Release of Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ Over Narrative Concerns
Ranveer’s spy thriller banned in Gulf but rules Indian box office
While Ranveer Singh’s latest action-packed release, Dhurandhar, is setting cash registers ringing across India, it has hit a major roadblock internationally. The highly anticipated spy thriller has been denied a theatrical release in the Middle East. Authorities in six key nations—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—have refused to screen the film.
Why was the movie rejected?
The primary reason behind the Dhurandhar movie ban appears to be its storyline. Reports suggest that censorship boards in these Gulf countries flagged the film for its "anti-Pakistan" messaging. Sources close to the production revealed to industry insiders that the filmmakers tried hard to get the necessary clearances for the Gulf market, which is usually a goldmine for Bollywood revenue. However, due to the sensitive geopolitical nature of the plot, the approvals were universally denied.
A Recurring Trend for Spy Films
This isn't the first time an Indian film dealing with cross-border tension has faced such a hurdle. In recent years, the Gulf region has become increasingly strict regarding movies that depict Pakistan in a negative light. High-profile movies like Hrithik Roshan’s Fighter, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3, and The Kashmir Files faced similar restrictions or bans. In some cases, like with Fighter, the movie was pulled from cinemas in the UAE shortly after release.
Box Office Triumph at Home
Despite losing out on the lucrative Gulf market, the film is performing exceptionally well domestically. Directed by Aditya Dhar, who returned to the director's chair six years after his blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike, the film has already crossed the Rs 200 crore mark in India within just seven days.
The movie features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal alongside Ranveer Singh. The plot is said to be grounded in real-world espionage, drawing inspiration from Indian intelligence missions and the events of Operation Lyari. While the international ban is a setback, the film’s massive success in India proves that the audience is captivated by Dhar’s gritty storytelling.
