Ranveer Singh's Spy Thriller Dhurandhar Blocked in Six Key Gulf Markets Over Political Content

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Ranveer Singh’s spy-thriller Dhurandhar, which is directed and co-produced by Aditya Dhar, is reportedly banned in six Gulf countries owing to its anti-Pakistan theme. 

While the censorship ban has significantly affected its overseas collections, the movie continues to display stellar performance in India. However, this is not the first movie to get banned in the region; The Diplomat and Sky Force were also banned in the Gulf region.

GCC Censorship: A Pattern of Blocking Geopolitical Thrillers

The film Dhurandhar has been banned in all six Gulf countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Authorities reportedly objected to the movie's perceived "anti-Pakistan messaging." This extensive prohibition has revived the common debate regarding heightened scrutiny of Indian films. These films often deal with cross-border or politically sensitive themes in the Middle East.

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The filmmakers attempted to secure a theatrical release in the Gulf region. This is a crucial market for Bollywood's overseas revenue. However, clearance was denied by authorities in all countries. Sources suggested that the theme, perceived as an 'anti-Pakistan film,' caused apprehension. Films like Fighter, Article 370, and Tiger 3 have faced similar restrictions previously.

Overseas Earnings Suffer Despite Domestic Success

The ban on Dhurandhar in the six GCC nations could severely impact its international box office performance. The Gulf market is a vital component of overseas revenue for Bollywood films. 

Despite the international setback, Dhurandhar has performed exceptionally well domestically. The movie successfully crossed the Rs. 200 crore net milestone in India within its opening week. The prohibition in all six GCC countries followed reports about political themes.

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Censorship bodies raised concerns regarding the film's sensitive geopolitical narrative. The film revolves around an Indian intelligence mission within Pakistan. Gulf officials often rigorously examine films for political and cultural implications. 

The plot's character portrayals might be seen as offensive in the region. The Gulf has close ties with Pakistan and a large South Asian expatriate community. For viewers in the Gulf, the film will likely have a digital release on Netflix later.