‘Dhurandhar’ Faces Ban in Six Gulf Nations Over Controversial Theme

Ranveer Singh’s latest spy thriller, Dhurandhar, is winning hearts in India but has hit a roadblock in the Gulf. The film has been banned in six countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — reportedly over its anti-Pakistan theme.

The ban underscores the sensitivity surrounding Indian films with cross-border narratives in the Middle East. The makers reportedly attempted to secure a theatrical release across the region, but none of the countries approved the film’s theme. “There were concerns that the film was perceived as ‘anti-Pakistan.’ Despite efforts, it couldn’t get clearance anywhere,” a source told Bollywood Hungama.

This isn’t the first time Bollywood films have faced such restrictions. Movies like Fighter, Sky Force, The Diplomat, Article 370, Tiger 3, and The Kashmir Files have all faced partial or complete bans in the Gulf, with Fighter even pulled from UAE screens within a day. Despite the setback, Dhurandhar is performing strongly at home, crossing Rs 200 crore net in India within a week and earning Rs 44.5 crore overseas (excluding the Gulf).

After a six-year break, director Aditya Dhar returned with this film, his first since Uri: The Surgical Strike. While rumours suggested the story was based on Major Mohit Sharma, Dhar clarified it is inspired by real geopolitical events and covert R&AW operations, particularly Operation Lyari in Pakistan.

Alongside Ranveer Singh, the cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. With its real-world backdrop and strong word of mouth, Dhurandhar is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest box office hits.