Just three hours ago, Bollywood exploded with news that's got everyone talking: Ranveer Singh's high-octane spy thriller Dhurandhar has been slapped with a ban in six major Gulf countries. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have all pulled the plug, citing the film's "anti-Pakistan" undertones.
But here's the twist—while international doors slam shut, the movie is on fire at the Indian box office, raking in over ₹200 crore net in just one week. Talk about a blockbuster with bite!
For fans glued to their screens, Dhurandhar isn't just another action flick; it's a pulse-pounding dive into the shadowy world of Indian intelligence. Directed by Aditya Dhar—making a triumphant return after his 2019 smash Uri: The Surgical Strike—the film stars Ranveer Singh in a role that's equal parts grit and glamour.
He's joined by a powerhouse ensemble: Sanjay Dutt bringing his signature intensity, Akshaye Khanna's sharp wit, R. Madhavan's quiet menace, and Arjun Rampal's commanding presence. No wonder word-of-mouth is spreading like wildfire, turning theaters into sold-out arenas.
The ban drama kicked off early in production, sources tell Bollywood Hungama. Filmmakers knew the script's bold take on cross-border tensions might ruffle feathers, especially with its roots in real-life geopolitics. Dhurandhar draws heavy inspiration from Operation Lyari in Pakistan and covert Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) ops, blending fact with high-stakes fiction.
Dhar himself debunked rumors of it being a biopic on Major Mohit Sharma, insisting it's a fictionalized nod to unsung heroes in the shadows. Yet, that raw edge—glorifying Indian valor while shading the neighbor—proved too hot for Gulf censors.
This isn't Dhurandhar's first rodeo in controversy town. It's joining a growing list of Indian films hitting roadblocks in the Middle East. Remember Fighter? It got a UAE green light, only to be yanked after one day, with a toned-down cut rejected flat-out.
Then there's Sky Force, The Diplomat, Article 370, Tiger 3, and The Kashmir Files—all casualties of sensitive themes that tread on Pakistan-India fault lines. The Gulf's massive diaspora audience loves Bollywood masala, but when it veers into politics, the red flags fly.
Experts say it's a tightrope walk: Filmmakers crave those lucrative markets (think $10-15 crore per release), but authenticity often trumps compromise.
Despite the Gulf snub, Dhurandhar's overseas haul stands strong at ₹44.5 crore, minus the excluded regions. In India, it's a juggernaut—smashing records and eyeing ₹300 crore soon.
Social media is buzzing with clips of Ranveer's explosive action sequences and the film's gripping twists. One Twitter user raved, "Dhurandhar isn't just a movie; it's a wake-up call to our heroes.
Ban or no ban, it's unmissable!" Critics praise Dhar's taut direction, calling it a spiritual successor to Uri with bigger stakes and bolder swings.
As Dhurandhar charges ahead, it spotlights Bollywood's evolving playbook. In an era of streaming giants and global audiences, can spy thrillers keep their edge without alienating allies?
For now, Indian viewers are voting with their wallets, proving that homegrown pride packs the biggest punch. Stay tuned—this saga's far from over. Will a censored version sneak into the Gulf, or is Dhurandhar destined to be India-exclusive? We'll keep you posted on the next twist.
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