Authorities in several Gulf states have barred the theatrical release of the Bollywood film Dhurandhar, citing concerns linked to its reported portrayal of Pakistan. The move has restricted the film from screening across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
Reasons cited for the ban
According to regional industry sources, the ban was imposed after the film Dhurandhar was reviewed for content seen as sensitive in the Gulf, particularly allegations that it carries an anti-Pakistan narrative. Clearance for release was reportedly denied during the certification process, halting its entry into a market that is typically significant for South Asian cinema.
Part of a broader trend in Gulf film regulation
The decision marks the latest instance in which a South Asian film dealing with cross-border themes has faced restrictions in the region. In recent years, titles including Fighter, Sky Force, The Diplomat, Article 370, Tiger 3 and The Kashmir Files have encountered similar regulatory outcomes in parts of the Middle East.
Box office unaffected in domestic market
While Dhurandhar has been withheld from Gulf cinemas, the film continues to draw audiences in India, where distributors report strong earnings in its opening week. Revenue figures from other international markets—excluding the Gulf—have also been noted by trade trackers.
Film linked to cross-border themes
The movie, directed by Aditya Dhar, features Ranveer Singh along with Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal. It is described as being loosely connected to events associated with Operation Lyari in Pakistan, although the extent of its fictionalisation has not been independently verified. The cast and storyline have drawn regional attention due to the film’s treatment of security-related subjects.
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Additional input from Deccan Herald
