Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ Reportedly Banned in Middle East Over Alleged Anti-Pakistan Messaging

Ranveer Singh’s latest Bollywood film Dhurandhar has reportedly been banned in multiple Gulf countries due to what authorities describe as anti-Pakistan messaging. According to Indian media reports, the film has been blocked in six Middle Eastern nations — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — despite the producers’ attempts to secure a regional release.

A source quoted by Bollywood Hungama said the film’s perceived political tone made approval unlikely:

“There were apprehensions that this would happen as the film is viewed as an ‘anti-Pakistan film’. The team still tried, but none of the countries approved the film’s theme.”

Dhurandhar: A Political Spy Thriller Stirring Controversy

Directed by Aditya Dhar, known for Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) and Article 370 (2024), Dhurandhar was released on December 5 in India. The movie follows an Indian spy operating in Karachi’s Lyari, portrayed by Ranveer Singh.

The cast also includes Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Akshaye Khanna, adding major star power to the film.

Both Indian and Pakistani audiences have reacted strongly online, calling the movie heavily propaganda-driven. Some Pakistani viewers also criticized their own entertainment industry for failing to tell local stories, while others questioned why Pakistani audiences continue consuming Bollywood films despite recurring bans and restrictions.

Middle East Continues Strict Stance on Politically Sensitive Bollywood Films

Although Gulf officials have not issued an official statement on the ban, Dhurandhar now joins a growing list of Indian films recently blocked in Middle Eastern markets.

As reported by The Times of India, Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s Fighter (2024) cleared UAE censors initially but was later suspended. A revised version with “problematic scenes” removed was also rejected.

Other major Bollywood titles banned in the UAE include:

Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force (2025)

John Abraham’s The Diplomat (2025)

These decisions reflect a pattern of Gulf censorship targeting films with India–Pakistan military or political themes.

Dhurandhar Ban Becomes Latest Flashpoint in India–Pakistan Cinema Debate

The reported Middle East ban has ignited heated conversations on social media, with users discussing Bollywood’s portrayal of Pakistan, regional censorship norms, and the broader politics of South Asian storytelling.

As of now, the producers of Dhurandhar have not released an official statement regarding the Gulf region restrictions.