Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar
Ranveer Singh’s high-octane spy thriller Dhurandhar continues to dominate the Indian box office, but the film has hit a major international hurdle. Six Gulf countries have refused to grant it theatrical clearance, effectively banning its release across the region.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman reportedly declined to approve the film due to concerns surrounding its political content, particularly its depiction of Pakistan. The thriller touches upon covert operations and tensions linked to events in Karachi’s Lyari district — themes that Gulf censor boards deemed too sensitive.
Revenue from Dhurandhar’s Release
Producers had hoped to secure a wide release in these markets, which traditionally contribute significantly to Bollywood’s overseas earnings. However, despite multiple attempts at negotiation, the film was denied certification in all six countries.
While the ban is a blow to its international distribution strategy, Dhurandhar remains strong at home. The film has already crossed the ₹200-crore mark in India within its first week, boosted by positive audience response and word of mouth. Collections from non-Gulf international territories have also remained steady.
Dhurandhar- Action and Geopolitics
Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film brings together a powerhouse ensemble featuring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Packed with action, espionage, and geopolitics, the story draws inspiration from real-life intelligence operations and deep-rooted cross-border tensions.
This development adds another chapter to the ongoing conversation about how politically charged Indian films are received abroad — especially in regions sensitive to India-Pakistan dynamics. The Gulf ban may affect overall overseas numbers, but it has only amplified curiosity and debate surrounding Dhurandhar.