New Delhi | December 12, 2025

Ranveer Singh’s latest spy thriller Dhurandhar may be enjoying a successful run across India, but its international release has hit a major setback. Authorities in six Gulf countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — have denied permission for the film’s release, citing concerns over its strong anti-Pakistan messaging. The move has put the spotlight once again on how films based on cross-border tensions are received in regions where political sensitivities run high.

According to industry sources, the filmmakers made several attempts to secure clearance in the Gulf, which is considered one of Bollywood’s most dependable overseas markets. However, none of the countries approved the film’s theme, and the movie has been blocked across the region. A source familiar with the clearance process said the team anticipated such an outcome, given early feedback that the movie might be perceived as unfavourable to Pakistan. Even so, they pursued a release, hoping for a different result.

This incident is part of a continuing pattern. Over the past few years, several Indian films dealing with India–Pakistan relations or national security topics have faced similar bans or restrictions in the Middle East. Titles such as Fighter, Sky Force, The Diplomat, Article 370, Tiger 3 and The Kashmir Files have all encountered hurdles in different Gulf territories. In one notable case, Fighter was initially cleared for release in the UAE but was withdrawn within a day before a revised version was also rejected.

Despite the setback overseas, Dhurandhar is performing strongly at the Indian box office. Within a week of release, the film has crossed the ₹200-crore net mark domestically and collected ₹44.5 crore overseas, excluding Gulf markets. The film’s success in India appears to be driven by positive word of mouth, high-octane action sequences and its storyline rooted in real-world geopolitical events.

The movie marks director Aditya Dhar’s return to filmmaking after six years, following the success of his 2019 hit Uri: The Surgical Strike. Before release, there was speculation that Dhurandhar might be inspired by the life of Major Mohit Sharma. Dhar clarified that the film draws from actual geopolitical situations and covert intelligence missions carried out by R&AW, rather than being based on a single individual.

Dhurandhar takes inspiration from events linked to Operation Lyari in Pakistan and the reported role of Indian intelligence in the region. Alongside Ranveer Singh in the lead role, the film features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal. Its narrative blends action, espionage and political intrigue, making it one of the year’s most talked-about releases.

As the film continues its strong run in India, the ban in Gulf countries has sparked fresh discussions in the film industry about how regional political sensitivities can influence global distribution. For now, Dhurandhar remains unavailable across the Middle East, but its domestic success suggests the controversy has only added to its buzz.

 Six Gulf Nations Block Release of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Over Anti-Pakistan Concerns

Ranveer Singh’s new spy thriller Dhurandhar is making big noise in India, but its global journey has hit a major bump. The film has been blocked in six Gulf countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — after officials reportedly objected to its strong anti-Pakistan angle. Even though the makers tried hard to get clearance, not a single Gulf country approved its release.

This move has once again sparked talk about how Indian films with cross-border themes often face strict checks in the Middle East. In the past too, movies like Fighter, Sky Force, The Diplomat, Article 370, Tiger 3 and The Kashmir Files have gone through similar trouble. Some were banned, some were pulled after release, and some never made it to the screens at all.

But back home, Dhurandhar is showing no signs of slowing down. The film has already crossed ₹200 crore net in India within a week and has earned ₹44.5 crore overseas, excluding the Gulf region. Strong word of mouth, intense action and its real-world backdrop seem to be pulling crowds to theatres every day.

The movie marks director Aditya Dhar’s return after six years, following his hit Uri: The Surgical Strike. There were talks that Dhurandhar might be based on Major Mohit Sharma, but Dhar cleared the air, saying the story comes from real geopolitical situations and covert R&AW missions. The film is inspired by events linked to Operation Lyari in Pakistan and the role of Indian intelligence.

With Ranveer Singh in the lead and a powerful cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan and Arjun Rampal, the film is shaping up to be one of the biggest hits of the year — even without the Gulf markets.