Aditya Dhar’s upcoming action drama Dhurandhar has been denied release in six Gulf countries, prompting discussions within the Indian film industry about growing geopolitical sensitivities in overseas markets.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the film has not secured theatrical clearance in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These markets together form one of the largest overseas revenue clusters for mainstream Hindi films.
A source quoted in the report said regional authorities were wary of the film’s political tone. The movie has reportedly been viewed as “anti-Pakistan,” a perception that often leads to scrutiny in the Gulf. Films dealing with cross-border conflict themes have previously struggled to obtain certification in these territories, even when they have performed well in India and other global markets.
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A high-intensity action thriller
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, marks his return to the genre he explored with Uri: The Surgical Strike, with Ranveer Singh now in the lead.
The story reportedly focuses on an intelligence operation aimed at exposing a terror infrastructure based in Pakistan. Producers describe the project as a “gritty, mission-driven narrative built on real-world fault lines.” The film employs a mix of on-ground action sequences and high-intensity confrontations, supported by an ensemble cast playing intelligence officers, military personnel and political decision-makers.
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Industry response and commercial impact
While the ban affects box-office potential in the Gulf, many believe the film may still keep performing well in North America, Europe and Australia, where action-led Hindi films continue to see steady footfalls.
This is not the first time a Hindi film dealing with cross-border tensions has faced hurdles in the region. Films with themes linked to terror networks or military operations often undergo extensive review due to political sensitivities. For Dhurandhar, the absence of a Gulf release underscores the delicate balance filmmakers must navigate between storytelling ambitions and international market constraints.
