The film’s international business has taken a hit as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have blocked its release over the alleged messaging.
Dhurandhar is not the first Hindi film to face such restrictions. Big-budget titles like Tiger 3, Fighter, The Diplomat and Article 370 were also barred from release in the Gulf, a region that contributes significantly to Bollywood’s overseas earnings.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy thriller is set against key events such as the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attack. The narrative follows India’s intelligence operation to infiltrate and dismantle Pakistan-based terror and criminal networks.
At its core is a high-risk mission led by intelligence chiefs who deploy an unconventional asset to penetrate Karachi’s underworld, triggering clashes, shifting loyalties and power struggles.
With a runtime of over three hours and a star cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan and others, Dhurandhar blends espionage, action and geopolitical drama, ending with a clear setup for a sequel.