Why Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar Banned in 6 Gulf Countries?

Dhurandhar isn’t just a movie — it’s a detonation. The moment it hit theatres, the shockwaves travelled far beyond India’s box office, shaking political circles, triggering debates, and even slamming shut the doors of six Gulf nations. 

Suddenly, everyone—from film buffs to diplomats—is asking the same burning question: “What exactly is inside this film that made the Middle East ban it outright?”

The controversy is hotter than the film’s action sequences. Indian audiences are celebrating it, online discussions are exploding, and global censorship has turned it into the most talked-about Bollywood thriller of the year.

One thing is clear: Dhurandhar didn’t just release… it erupted.

Why Dhurandhar Is Banned In 6 Gulf Nations?

Ranveer Singh's latest spy thriller Dhurandhar might be attracting audiences in India, but its overseas progress, particularly in the Middle East, has faced obstacles. The movie has been prohibited in six Gulf nations—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—after officials allegedly raised concerns over its anti-Pakistan themes.

The broad prohibition has rekindled a well-known discussion about the intensified examination of Indian films with cross-border themes encountered in the Middle East. Reports indicate that the producers sought to obtain a theatrical release throughout the Gulf, an important market for Bollywood, but approval was refused everywhere.

"There were fears that this would occur because the film is viewed as an 'anti-Pakistan film'." The team continued to try, but none of the nations endorsed the film's topic. "That's the reason Dhurandhar hasn't been launched in any Gulf region”.

Earlier Indian Films Banned In Different Countries

This is not the first time. Previously, movies like Fighter, Article 370, Sky Force, The Diplomat, Tiger 3, and The Kashmir Files encountered comparable limitations in various regions of the Middle East. Even Fighter, which first premiered in the UAE, was withdrawn within a day, and a revised version was turned down.

About Spy-Thriller Dhurandhar

Dhurandhar debuted on December 5, 2025, showcasing a partnership between Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh. Dhar's most recent directorial effort was Uri: The Surgical Strike, which came out in 2019, while Ranveer's latest appearance was in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, released in 2023.

Dhurandhar portrays a narrative influenced by the happenings of Operation Lyari in Pakistan and the supposed connection of Indian intelligence.

In addition to Ranveer Singh, the film also includes Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan in significant roles.

Dhurandhar Box Office Collection 

Dhurandhar Box Office Collection
Day	Collection
5 Dec (Opening Day)	Rs 28 Crore
Day 2	Rs 32 Crore
Day 3	Rs 43 Crore
Day 4	Rs 23.25 Crore
Day 5	Rs 27 Crore
Day 6	Rs 27 Crore
Day 7	Rs 27 Crore
Total (7 Days)	Rs 207.25 Crore

On the second Friday, on day 8, the collection by afternoon is Rs 6.72 Crore. The total revenue of the film in India currently amounts to Rs 213.97 Crore.

Dhurandhar’s ban may limit its reach, but its impact is only growing louder. The film has ignited a debate that refuses to fade anytime soon.

Also Read: TV Celebs Who Made Dhurandhar A Blockbuster Despite Controversies