Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar faces ban in all Gulf countries
Ranveer Singh’s latest political-action thriller Dhurandhar, which revolves around Karachi’s Lyari gang wars and regional geopolitics, has been banned across all Gulf countries after authorities declined to grant it screening permissions. According to Bollywood Hungama, the film has been refused release in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marking a complete block across the GCC region. Industry insiders quoted in the report said that regulators in these states expressed reservations over the movie’s depiction of Pakistan, noting that films perceived as politically sensitive or anti-state narratives often struggle to pass regional censorship standards. The source added that previous films with similar themes had also faced bans, and despite efforts by the Dhurandhar team, none of the Gulf nations approved its content.
The film, which hit cinemas on December 5, has stirred intense conversation on both sides of the border. Centred on Lyari’s gang warfare and woven with political undertones, Dhurandhar has elicited criticism from Pakistani viewers who see it as another attempt at casting Pakistan in a negative light. At the same time, many lament the lack of strong, locally produced films that portray Pakistani histories and neighbourhoods with authenticity. The ban across the entire Gulf region is expected to impact the film’s international box office performance, as the Middle East is traditionally one of Bollywood’s strongest overseas markets.
