Banned in Theatres, No.1 on Netflix: Dhurandhar Trends Big in Pakistan

Dhurandhar Has Become the First Indian Film to Cross Rs. 1,000 Crore While Being Released in a Single Language

Dhurandhar, one of the most successful Indian films, has received unprecedented success on the streaming platform Netflix in Pakistan. Dhurandhar is trending at number 1 on Netflix in Pakistan within days of its release, as viewers there try to understand why the film is so ‘controversial’.

The film got its digital release on Friday, January 30, eight weeks after its theatrical release.

Dhurandhar Conquers Pakistan

Screenshots of Dhurandhar trending at #1 in films on Netflix Pakistan surfaced on social media over the weekend. They showed the Ranveer Singh-starrer ahead of Bollywood films like Tere Ishk Mein and Haq, as well as The Big Fake. 

Dhurandhar reportedly lost an estimated $10 million in potential revenue due to the absence of a theatrical release in Middle Eastern countries, as claimed by the film's overseas distributor.

The film’s overseas distributor, Pranab Kapadia, said, "I think this is at least a ten-million-dollar box office loss, because traditionally action films have always performed very well in the Middle East. Therefore, we feel it should have received a release there."

Reactions from Pakistani Film Lovers

One glowing review of the film on Reddit read, “As a Pakistani, it's the best ever Bollywood movie i ever watched. First time i saw a film where actual research has been done and there's no use of "adaab" "janaab" surma kajal topi and vest to show Pakistanis. and thank you for showing a political party linked to crimes (I won't take the name you guys will get it as it's mentioned in movie ) and exposing them. I have high expectations from part 2 BUT PLEASE PLEASE LET CHAUDHARY ASLAM BE A POSITIVE CHARACTER IT'S MY REQUEST HE WAS NOT A NEGATIVE CHARACTER. Fantastic movie, casting, shooting, story everything's on point.” 

Another Pakistani viewer echoed and said, “I’m Pakistani and I love Dhurandhar. Yall gotta stop creating this narrative that we hate you guys and vice versa. It’s all love from my side. Don’t be rude.” Many others from Pakistan said they would go for repeat viewing.

Others argued that the film did not demonise Pakistan in any way, and in fact, depicted it well. “The movie actually portrayed Pakistan well (the weapon gangs and politics) and sprinkled opinion politics on India. There's nothing against Pakistan people in the movie. But so much against Indian people lol. Excellent movie. Share the same opinion as Kashyap on the movie,” read one comment, referencing Anurag Kashyap’s review of the film, which said it was a well-made film with some questionable politics.

About Dhurandhar

The Aditya Dhar directorial stars Ranveer as Hamza, an Indian operative infiltrating the gang and terror networks of Karachi. The spy thriller also sees Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan in key roles. The second part of the film will be released in March 2026. It will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

The film sets its story against IC-814 and the 2001 Parliament attack, following Ajay Sanyal (played by R. Maadhavan) as he trains a young inmate for a dangerous undercover mission.

Spanning nearly a decade, the film also shows the part Pakistan played in major terror attacks – not just in India but globally too, with the use of archival footage. Be it the 9/11 terror attacks or the shocking one that took place in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, the makers have kept the narrative raw.

Dhurandhar grossed Rs. 1300 crore worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film ever. The sequel to the movie is set to release on March 19.